Embryonic development

This redirect is about embryonic development in all types of organisms. For information specific to animal embryonic development, see Animal embryonic development. For information specific to human embryonic development, see Human embryonic development. For information specific to plant embryonic development, see Plant embryonic development.

Embryonic development, also known as embryogenesis, is the process by which an embryo develops. It takes place in plants and animals that reproduce sexually. In both plants and animals, sexual reproduction involves the fusion of an egg cell (ovum) and a sperm cell (called a spermatozoon in animals) to form a cell called a zygote. It is this zygote which then develops into the embryo. There are major differences between plant embryonic development and animal embryonic development, and even within each kingdom, the process varies significantly between species.