Polyploidy

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Polyploidy

Polyploidy (pronounced: pah-lip-loi-dee) is a condition in which the cells of an organism have more than two paired (homologous) sets of chromosomes. Most species are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes — one from each parent. However, polyploidy is found in some organisms and is especially common in plants.

Etymology

The term "polyploidy" comes from the Greek words "poly" meaning many, and "ploidy" meaning fold. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe organisms with more than two sets of chromosomes.

Related Terms

  • Diploid: An organism or cell having two sets of chromosomes or twice the haploid number.
  • Haploid: An organism or cell having only one complete set of chromosomes.
  • Chromosome: A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
  • Homologous: Having the same relation, relative position, or structure.
  • Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Polyploidy in Plants

In plants, polyploidy often occurs as a result of an error in meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes by half. This can lead to plants with three, four, or more sets of chromosomes. Polyploid plants often have larger cells, which can lead to larger plant organs such as leaves and flowers.

Polyploidy in Animals

Polyploidy is less common in animals than in plants, but it does occur. Some insects, fish, amphibians, and reptiles are polyploid. In mammals, polyploidy can occur in certain tissues, such as the liver, but it is generally lethal if it occurs in all cells.

See Also

External links

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