Question
What is the difference between diploid and haploid?
Answer
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Roland
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
The difference between diploid and haploid organisms lies in that haploids carry only one complete set of chromosomes while diploids consist of two complete sets of chromosomes. Generally, the somatic cells of an individual are diploid, whereas the gametes are haploid.
Explanation
The key difference between diploid and haploid organisms basically emerges from their chromosomal number. "Haploid" denotes half the regular number, and consequently a haploid cell includes one total set of chromosomes. Gametes, such as sperm and egg cells in sexually reproducing organisms, are typically haploid. In contrast, "diploid" denotes two full sets of chromosomes therefore a diploid cell includes two total sets of chromosomes. Generally, the body cells (somatic cells) of most organisms, including humans, are diploid while sexual reproductive cells are haploid.