Diploid Number Of Chromosomes Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Diploid Number Of Chromosomes?

The diploid number of chromosomes is the number of chromosomes found in the nucleus of a somatic (body) cell. It is a characteristic of eukaryotes, which are organisms whose cells contain a nucleus. This includes all animals and plants, along with many fungi, algae and protists. The diploid number refers to the two copies or sets of chromosomes that can be seen in human cellsone set inherited from each parent. For humans, this diploid chromosome number is 46.Diploidy develops when an organism reproduces sexually through meiosis and fertilization. During meiosis, homologous pairs of chromosomes separate, forming haploid gametes (e.g., sperm and eggs). These gametes then fuse during fertilization to form a zygote with two full sets or pairs of chromosomes: one from each parent. This results in a diploid organism containing twice the haploid chromosome number found in its gametes or sex cells (i.e., 23 pairs for humans). This diploid state is what allows us to possess distinct characteristics while still being able to reproduce via sexual reproduction since genetic material can be shuffled between parents before being passed on to offspring through fertilization. Without this process, evolution would not occur as quickly nor as efficiently as it does today since traits would not change as frequently or dramatically due to limited genetic variation among progeny derived from asexual reproduction alone. In addition to providing these benefits for evolution and sexual reproduction, maintaining diploidy also works as an efficient way for an organism’s genome size to increase without necessarily needing more space within its cells’ nuclei due to gene duplication events that have occurred over timea process known as polyploidy.