What is the difference between haploid and diploid chromosomes

Diploid Cells. In diploid cells, there are two sets of chromosomes. Diploid cells are formed due to the fusion of two haploid cells. Most mammals are diploid. This means that mammals have two homologous copies of each chromosome in the cells.

These cells are produced through mitosis. All somatic cells in human beings are diploid cells. It should be noted that every cell except the proliferating cells of the reproductive system classifies under the category of somatic cells. One set of chromosomes is inherited from the father, while the other set of chromosomes is inherited from the mother.

It is interesting to note that there are also some organisms in which the somatic cells are tetraploid, which have four sets of chromosomes, or hexaploid, which have six sets of chromosomes.

The chances of spontaneous mutations are also higher in somatic cells than haploid cells. There are also around types of somatic cells in humans. Hence, the nature and the content of the cells in humans depend on the type of somatic cells.

Also, the total number of chromosomes in somatic cells of human beings is In this section, the difference between diploid and haploid cells is discussed. These differences are mentioned in the table below.

Basis for Comparison. In diploid cells, there are two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. In haploid or monoploid cells, there is only a single copy of each chromosome. Cell Division. These cells are formed after mitotic cell division. These cells are formed after meiotic cell division.

Number of Chromosomes. Since there are two sets of chromosomes, the total number of chromosomes is double the number of chromosomes present in haploid cells. Difference Between Haploid and Diploid. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 Tamon, Golden. Name required. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : golden.

User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. Author Recent Posts. Latest posts by golden see all. Help us improve. Rate this post! In algae and fungi cells switch between a haploid and diploid state over the length of their life cycle known as alternation of generation , and are in a haploid state during the principle stage of their life cycle.

Polyploidy refers to a state where multiple sets of chromosomes are present. This is commonly seen in plant cells but not in animal cells.

In animals , haploid cells are found in the sex cells. Male bees, wasps, and ants are haploid because of the way they develop: from unfertilized, haploid eggs. This video from Khan Academy explains the concepts in more detail:.

Share this comparison:. If you read this far, you should follow us:. Diffen LLC, n. Comparison chart Diploid versus Haploid comparison chart Diploid Haploid About Diploid cells contain two complete sets 2n of chromosomes. Haploid cells have half the number of chromosomes n as diploid - i. Cell Division and Growth Diploid cells reproduce by mitosis making daughter cells that are exact replicas.

Haploid cells are a result of the process of meiosis, a type of cell division in which diploid cells divide to give rise to haploid germ cells. A haploid cell will merge with another haploid cell at fertilization. Examples Skin, blood, muscle cells also known as somatic cells Cells used in sexual reproduction, sperm and ova also known as Gametes. Definition Since ploidy refers to the number of sets of chromosomes in a biological cell, a cell containing two sets of chromosomes comes to be known as a diploid cell.

Meiosis All animal cells have a fixed number of chromosomes in their body cells which exist in homologous pairs 2n.

Which Cells are Haploid? Cell Division and Growth Haploid cells are a result of the process of meiosis , a type of reductional cell division in which diploid cells divide to give rise to haploid germ cells or spores.