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Cell Biology

Polyploid

Each eukaryotic cell, at a minimum, contains one set of chromosomes, with each chromosome controlling a different set of traits from the others. The total number of different chromosomes provides the information that the cell needs to function. Any cells with only one set of chromosomes are called haploid. In our bodies, only the gametes are haploid. All the rest of the cells are diploid (one set of chromosomes from each parent). Most multicellular organisms are diploid except for sex cells. There are some situations however, especially in plants, that cells may contain three set of chromosomes (triploid), or multiple set of chromosomes (polyploid).

Related Terms

  • Nucleus
  • Chromosome
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