What’s the difference between diploid and haploid cells?

[Manni]

Can someone explain how diploid and haploid cells differ, especially in terms of their chromosome numbers and roles in organisms? A simple example would help!

 

[SkyDrifter]

The number of sets of chromosomes in the diploid cells is two (one set is inherited by each parent), whereas in haploid cells, there is only one set. Indicatively, a human being has 46 chromosomes in its diploid cells, and 23 chromosomes in the haploid ones (the sperm and the egg). On fertilization, a zygote with two haploid cells is formed.

 

[Luca]

Two complete sets of chromosomes are present in diploid cells, each being a product of one parent and only one set present in haploid cells. Diploid cells produce body tissues whereas the haploid ones such as sperms and eggs are used during sexual reproduction.

 

[AngelitaC6]

The diploid cells carry two entire chromosomes sets (one in each parent), which is the case with most of the body cells, whereas the haploid cells are present in the gametes such as sperm and eggs and they have only one set of chromosomes. The diploid cells assist in growth and repairing as compared to haploid which supports sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

 

[Jacks will]

Most of the cells in body make up diploid and contain two sets of chromosomes. Haploid cells contain a single set of chromosomes and are utilized in the reproductive process, e.g. the sperm and the ovaules.

 

[George]

The difference is:

• Diploid cells (2n): Have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. Most body (somatic) cells are diploid.
• Haploid cells: Have one set of chromosomes. Gametes (sperm and egg) are haploid.

In short: diploid = full set, haploid = half set.

 

[Michael Anderson]

Two sets of identical chromosomes in diploid cell compose most of the body tissues, whereas a single set constitutes haploid cells and is found in the gametes (sperm and eggs). This distinction is significant to sexual reproduction.

 

[simran]

Diploid cells (2n) have two sets of chromosomes—one from each parent—and make up most body cells.
Haploid cells have one set of chromosomes and are found in sex cells like sperm and eggs.