Reproductive Biology
Fertilization
The fusion of male and female gametes (sex cells) to form a new individual. In sexual reproduction, fertilization combines genetic material from two parents.
Biological Context
Fertilization can be external (eggs and sperm meet outside the body) or internal. It involves recognition between gametes, fusion of cell membranes, and combination of genetic material. Fertilization triggers development in the resulting zygote.
Business Application
Business fertilization: combining resources or capabilities from two parties to create something new. Mergers, joint ventures, and partnerships are fertilization events—they combine different 'genetic material' to produce offspring with characteristics of both parents.