CBSE Class 10 Answered

The zygote contains all of the genetic information necessary to become a child. Half of the genetic information comes from the mother's egg and half from the father's sperm.

The zygote divides several times to form the embryo. The cells of the embryo now multiply and begin to take on specific functions. This process is called differentiation. It leads to the various cell types that make up a human being (such as blood cells, kidney cells, and nerve cells). The plan for the major cell types is laid out by the end of the 3rd week.

Normal dividing body cells are unable to do this since they do not carry the genetic information needed to accomplish this. They have differentiated into a specific cell type and are now able to carry out only their specialised function.