Diploid meaning

Diploid refers to a cell or organism containing two sets of chromosomes.


Diploid definitions

Word backwards diolpid
Part of speech Adjective
Syllabic division di-ploid
Plural The plural of diploid is diploids.
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) i,o
Consonants (3) d,p,l

Diploid refers to a cell or organism that has a pair of each type of chromosome, one inherited from each parent. This results in having two sets of chromosomes, one set from the mother and one set from the father. In humans, each somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes, with 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Genetic Makeup

Having a diploid genetic makeup allows for genetic diversity and variation within a species. This genetic diversity plays a crucial role in evolution and adaptation to changing environments. Through processes such as meiosis and fertilization, diploid organisms can produce haploid gametes for sexual reproduction.

Cell Division

During cell division, diploid cells undergo a process called mitosis to produce two identical diploid daughter cells. This type of cell division ensures that each new cell receives an equal and complete set of chromosomes. Maintaining the diploid chromosome number is essential for proper growth, development, and functioning of an organism.

Role in Genetic Disorders

Issues with the number or structure of chromosomes in diploid cells can lead to genetic disorders and abnormalities. Conditions such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome are examples of genetic disorders resulting from an abnormal number of chromosomes in humans.

Understanding the concept of diploidy is fundamental in the field of genetics and biology. It impacts various aspects of life, from the inheritance of traits to the functioning of organisms at the cellular level. The intricate balance of genetic material provided by diploid cells contributes to the complexity and diversity of life on Earth.


Diploid Examples

  1. Humans are diploid organisms, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes.
  2. The diploid stage of a plant's life cycle is represented by the sporophyte generation.
  3. In genetics, a diploid cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes.
  4. During fertilization, haploid gametes combine to form a diploid zygote.
  5. Most animals, including mammals like dogs and cats, are diploid.
  6. The process of meiosis reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.
  7. Having a diploid cell is important for genetic diversity and evolution.
  8. Cells in the human body, such as skin cells, are typically diploid.
  9. Some organisms, like fungi, have a haploid-dominant life cycle rather than a diploid-dominant one.
  10. In a diploid organism, each chromosome in a pair is homologous to the other.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 27/04/2024 - 05:30:24