OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What does a fertilized egg (zygote) contain?

Muscle tissue
Specialized cells
DNA instructions for body cells
Environmental responses

The correct answer is: DNA instructions for body cells

A fertilized egg, or zygote, contains DNA instructions for body cells, making it crucial for development. When sperm fertilizes an egg, the resulting zygote is formed and carries a complete set of genetic material from both parents. This genetic material is organized in the form of DNA, which holds the blueprints for building and regulating the functions of every cell in the organism. As the zygote undergoes division and development, the DNA directs the formation of various specialized cells and tissues throughout the organism's body. This DNA includes instructions for growth, development, and the specific functions of the body’s various cells. In contrast, muscle tissue and specialized cells are products of the developmental process that occurs after the zygote stage. Environmental responses are also not contained in the zygote itself; rather, they refer to how an organism interacts with its surroundings over time. Thus, the DNA contained in the zygote serves as the foundational instruction set for all future development.