Ploidy — Science definition

Number of chromosome sets, distinct from DNA-copy amount.

Where it is taught

• Meiosis & Sexual Reproduction — Cell Division, Reproduction & Development, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10

In use

Mitosis is one division that normally preserves ploidy in two daughter cells; meiosis is two divisions that yield four haploid cells, all genetically different.

Meiosis & Sexual Reproduction

Taught alongside

• meiosis
• gamete
• diploid
• haploid
• homologous chromosomes
• crossing over
• fertilization
• nondisjunction

Elsewhere

• All science terms
• All courses and reading

Browse all courses