Haploid
Haploid
Haploid (/ˈhæplɔɪd/; from Greek: ἁπλοῦς, haploûs, "single, simple") refers to a cell that contains a single set of chromosomes. The term is derived from the Greek word haploos, meaning "single".
Overview
In genetics, the haploid number (n) is the number of chromosomes in a gamete (an egg or sperm). Humans have 23 chromosomes in each gamete, so the haploid number for humans is 23. This is in contrast to the diploid number, which is the total number of chromosomes in a cell. In humans, the diploid number is 46.
Haploid Life Cycle
In a haploid life cycle, the organism spends most of its life in the haploid state. The only diploid stage is the single-celled zygote. This is in contrast to a diploid life cycle, where the organism spends most of its life in the diploid state.
Haploid Organisms
Some organisms, such as male bees, wasps, and ants, are haploid. These organisms develop from unfertilized eggs in a process called parthenogenesis.
Related Terms
- Diploid: A cell or organism that has paired chromosomes, one from each parent. In humans, cells other than human sex cells are diploid and have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
- Zygote: A eukaryotic cell formed by a fertilization event between two gametes.
- Parthenogenesis: A form of asexual reproduction in which growth and development of embryos occur without fertilization.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Haploid
- Wikipedia's article - Haploid
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