Diploid — Science definition

Defined in 2 courses:

Where it is taught

In use

A body cell with chromosomes in pairs is diploid; a gamete with one chromosome from each pair is haploid.

Meiosis, Gametes & Genetic Variation

Your body cells are diploid, meaning they carry two full sets of chromosomes (46 in humans), one set inherited from each parent.

Meiosis & Sexual Reproduction

Questions using diploid

Problem 1

Illustrative species has eight chromosomes in a diploid body cell, arranged in four pairs. Normal gametes form and two fuse. Find gamete and zygote counts and explain how different gametes can carry different combinations.
Answer and explanation

Each modeled gamete has four chromosomes; fusion yields a zygote with eight. Different pair distributions and exchanges can produce varied combinations despite equal counts. Equal chromosome count does not imply identical allele versions. The conclusion assumes the stipulated normal diploid life cycle, not every organism’s reproductive arrangement.

Divide the paired set into one per pair: four.

Combine two gamete sets: four plus four equals eight.

Connect distributions with varied inherited combinations.

Response criteria

  • Explain the relevant biological process accurately.
  • Use the supplied evidence and show calculation steps with units where needed.
  • Connect a labeled model or mechanism with the claim.
  • State an assumption, evidence limitation, or useful next observation.

Problem 2

Which set belongs to a normal gamete of the fictional six-chromosome diploid species?
  1. Six paired chromosomes
  2. Three, one from each pair
  3. Twelve
  4. No genetic material
Answer and explanation

Three, one from each pair

Reduction gives three chromosomes, one representative of each modeled pair.

Problem 3

A fictional diploid species has ten chromosomes. How many are in a normal gamete?
Answer and explanation

5 chromosomes

Ten arranged in five pairs yields one per pair: five.

Problem 4

A species has diploid number 16. What is the normal gamete number and zygote number after fertilization? Explain the reasoning in your own words.
Answer and explanation

Gametes have 8 chromosomes; the zygote has 16.

The gamete has one set, half of 16: 8.

Two normal gametes combine: 8+8=16.

Response criteria

  • Use the stated conditions.
  • Show the evidence or calculation.
  • Explain the conclusion and any stated limitation.

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