What does a haploid cell contain?

What does a haploid cell contain?

• A. Contains two sets of chromosomes
• B. Contains one set of chromosomes
• C. Contains no chromosomes
• D. Contains double the number of chromosomes of a diploid cell

Answer: (B)

A haploid cell contains one set of chromosomes. In humans, that means n = 23, which is half of the diploid number (2n = 46) found in most body cells. This is essential for sexual reproduction because gametes (sperm and egg) each contribute one complete set, and when they unite, the offspring restore the normal diploid number. Having two sets would make a diploid cell, not haploid. Having no chromosomes would mean no genetic information at all, which isn’t the case in living cells. Having double the diploid number would describe a tetraploid or polyploid state, not haploid.

A haploid cell contains one set of chromosomes. In humans, that means n = 23, which is half of the diploid number (2n = 46) found in most body cells. This is essential for sexual reproduction because gametes (sperm and egg) each contribute one complete set, and when they unite, the offspring restore the normal diploid number.

Having two sets would make a diploid cell, not haploid. Having no chromosomes would mean no genetic information at all, which isn’t the case in living cells. Having double the diploid number would describe a tetraploid or polyploid state, not haploid.