Diploid vs Haploid (Edexcel IGCSE Biology: Double Science)

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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 cellsHaploid and diploid cells.

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Lára

Author: Lára

Expertise: Biology Lead

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.