Haploid: The word haploid describes a condition, a cell, or an organism that contains half of the set of homologous chromosomes present in the somatic cell. Homologous chromosomes are two chromosomes that pair up by having the same gene sequence, loci, chromosomal length, and centromere location. Half of the homologous pairs are maternal (coming from the mother) whereas the other half, paternal (coming from the father). Thus, in other words, a haploid is when a cell, for instance, contains half of the total homologous chromosomes, i.e. a single set of chromosomes that are unpaired.

The haploid condition of a cell is when it comprises a single set of chromosomes. Haploid can refer to the number of chromosomes in the sperm cells or eggs (gametes).

Gametes in humans are haploid cells that have 23 chromosomes, each set exists in diploid cells. Haploid cells are represented as “n” in terms of ploidy, diploid cells are represented as “2n”. In humans, 2n=46.

Haploid number of chromosomes

The number of chromosomes contained in the cell’s nucleus constituting one complete chromosome set is the haploid number. Haploid number is commonly represented by “n” which stands for the number of chromosomes. For each species, the haploid number is unique. The total number of chromosomes is referred to as the chromosome number.

• The haploid number in humans is given as 2n=46, n = 23, this is because the haploid human cells possess one set of 23 chromosomes – 22 sets of autosomal chromosomes (non-sex chromosomes) and 1 set of sex chromosomes.

Haploid number

• The chromosome number is the number of chromosomes generic for a given species.
• The chromosome number in any particular species reproducing asexually is constant while in sexually reproducing entities, the number of chromosomes in the cells of the body (somatic cells) usually is diploid, represented as 2n (pair of each chromosome), which is twice the number seen in haploid (n) number seen in the gametes.
• It is during the process of meiosis that the haploid number is produced. In some of the sexually reproducing entities, the offspring can be produced from the unfertilized eggs, and hence are haploid. A male bee is a good example.

Examples

• Cells in the bodies of humans are diploid all throughout their lifespan, with a few exceptions.
• The male and female gametes obtained from your parents united, forming the first cell of your body – the zygote.
• It replicated the obtained sets of DNA before it started dividing into two identical daughter cells.

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By Team Learning Mantras