when does life begin scientifically

1 day ago 3
Nature

Scientifically, life is generally considered to begin at fertilization. This is the moment when a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, resulting in a single- cell organism called a zygote. At fertilization, the zygote is genetically distinct and contains the entire genetic makeup needed to develop into a human being. Human embryologists widely support the view that a new human life starts at this point, as the embryo is a living human being from the moment of fertilization, not merely a cluster of cells or a potential life form. This zygote then begins a process of cell division and development that leads to the formation of a human embryo and eventually a fetus. While some religious or philosophical perspectives might emphasize other milestones such as implantation, gastrulation, or birth, the scientific consensus among biological researchers is that life begins at fertilization because it marks the creation of a genetically unique, autonomously developing human organism. In summary, from a biological and embryological standpoint, life begins when the sperm and egg fuse to form the zygote at fertilization.