Fertilization

Fertilization is the process by which male gametes (sperm) fuse with female gametes (eggs) to create new life. This process is essential to the continuance of all species. Fertilization has many applications in agriculture, animal husbandry and aquaculture. It is used to breed plants and animals with different desirable characteristics and to produce more nutritious food for consumption. Fertilization is also essential for assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination, which are used to help infertile couples have children.