What is haploid?
Q: What is haploid?
A: Haploid is a term used when a cell has half the usual number of chromosomes.
Q: What is the usual number of chromosomes in a normal eukaryote organism?
A: A normal eukaryote organism is composed of diploid cells, one set of chromosomes from each parent. In humans, the diploid number of chromosomes is 46 (2x23).
Q: How does the number of chromosomes change after meiosis?
A: After meiosis, the number of chromosomes in gametes is halved. That is the haploid condition. In humans, the haploid number of chromosomes in sperm and eggs is 23.
Q: Are all animals diploid?
A: No, some types of animals are haploid, such as male Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps). This is a special genetic system called haplodiploidy.
Q: What does polyploid mean?
A: Polyploid means having more than two sets of chromosomes. Some plants and animals are polyploid, with more than two sets of chromosomes.
Q: How can we differentiate between haploid and diploid when many organisms are diploid?
A: The special term monoploid can be used; it means one set of chromosomes.
Q: Can you give an example of a polyploid species?
A: One species of wheat is hexaploid, with six sets of chromosomes, although other species of wheat have only two sets.
