IGCSEScienceEdexcelScience (Double Award)BiologyRevision Notes3. Reproduction & InheritanceInheritanceDiploid vs Haploid

Diploid vs Haploid (Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award): Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 4SD0

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Updated on

Edexcel Science (Double Award): BiologyEdexcel Science (Double Award) (Modular): Biology Unit 2Edexcel Biology (Modular): Unit 2Edexcel Biology

Diploid vs Haploid

  • A diploid cell is a cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes (2n)

    • These chromosomes contain the DNA necessary for protein synthesis and cell function

    • Nearly all cells in the human body are diploid with 23 pairs (46) of chromosomes in their nucleus

  • Haploid cells contain one complete set of chromosomes (n)

    • In other words they have half the number of chromosomes compared to diploid cells

    • Humans have haploid cells that contain 23 chromosomes in their nucleus (no pairs)

    • These haploid cells are called gametes and they are involved in sexual reproduction

    • For humans they are the female egg and the male sperm

Haploid _ Diploid cells

Haploid and diploid cells.

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Author
Reviewer
Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Content Creator

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Lucy Kirkham

Reviewer: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Content Creator

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.