Question

What is meant by the term diploid? Which cells of the human body are diploid, and which cells are not?

Short answer

The term 'diploid' refers to cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes. Most cells in the human body like skin, hair, bone, and organ cells are diploid and they duplicate through a process called mitosis. Non-diploid or haploid cells, which contain only one set of chromosomes, are the sex cells - sperm and eggs. These are formed through a process known as meiosis.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the term 'diploid'

The term 'diploid' refers to cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. This is denoted as 2n.

Identifying diploid cells in the human body

Most cells in the human body are diploid. These include cells that make up the skin, hair, bones, and other organs. These cells replicate through a process called mitosis, where a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, each carrying two complete sets of chromosomes.

Identifying non-diploid cells in the human body

Non-diploid cells in the human body, also known as haploid cells, are the sex cells (sperm in males and eggs in females). These cells only contain one set of chromosomes (n) and are created through a process of cell division called meiosis.