diplóid

A diploid cell is a cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent. The diploid number of chromosomes is represented as 2n, where n is the haploid number of chromosomes. In humans, for example, somatic cells are diploid and contain 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. One chromosome from each pair is inherited from the mother and the other from the father.

Diploid cells are essential for sexual reproduction. During meiosis, a type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells), diploid cells undergo a reduction in chromosome number. Each resulting gamete is haploid, meaning it contains only one set of chromosomes (n). When a sperm and egg cell fuse during fertilization, they form a diploid zygote, which then develops into a new organism.

The diploid state is characteristic of most organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi. The precise number of chromosomes in a diploid cell varies among species. For instance, a dog has 78 chromosomes in its diploid cells, while a fruit fly has 8. The maintenance of the correct diploid chromosome number is crucial for normal development and function. Errors in chromosome number, known as aneuploidy, can lead to genetic disorders.