Haploid

Haploid is a term used in genetics to describe a cell that contains a single set of chromosomes. The term is derived from the Greek word 'haploos', meaning 'single'. Haploid cells are produced in the process of meiosis, and are essential for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes.

Overview

In most organisms, including humans, cells are normally diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes - one from each parent. However, certain types of cells, such as gametes (sperm and egg cells), are haploid. This is crucial for the process of sexual reproduction, as it ensures that when two gametes combine during fertilization, the resulting offspring will have the correct number of chromosomes.

Haploid in Plants

In plants, haploid cells are not only found in gametes, but also in certain tissues of the plant body. These haploid tissues, known as gametophytes, play a crucial role in the plant's reproductive cycle.

Haploid in Fungi and Algae

In some fungi and algae, the haploid phase of the life cycle is the dominant phase, with the diploid phase being short-lived and often microscopic. This is in contrast to animals and most plants, where the diploid phase is dominant.

Haploid in Humans

In humans, as in all mammals, the only haploid cells are the gametes. Each human gamete contains 23 chromosomes, half the number found in all other human cells.

See Also

• Diploid
• Meiosis
• Gamete
• Fertilization

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