The small granules within the |nucleus| are the nucleolus which contain the DNA coding of the female ovum. The coiled strands of DNA are made up of ~chromosomes~, which carry the "blueprint" of the parent cell and are therefore the main element in heredity. The sperm and egg each contain 23 ~chromosomes~. As the sperm and egg unite, the ~chromosomes~ of both form two separate unites called pronucleus. These enlarge and move toward each other, meeting in the center of the egg. The membranes surrounding them eventually unite and the respective groups of ~chromosomes~ come together making the full component of 46 ~chromosomes~ (half of each pair from each parent).
