Diploid: Cells that contain homologous chromosomes. The number of chromosomes in the cells is the diploid number and is equal to 2n (n is the number of homologous pairs).

 

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Diploid: Cells that contain homologous chromosomes. The number of chromosomes in the cells is the diploid number and is equal to 2n (n is the number of homologous pairs).

Zygote: A fertilized egg. Or the diploid cell that results from the joining of two haploid gametes (sperm and egg) during sexual reproduction, that will cleave to form an embryo. See also fertilizat . . . View Full Definition

Homozygote: With respect to a given genetic locus, a diploid individual carrying two identical alleles

Autosome: A chromosome not involved in sex determination. The diploid human genome consists of 46 chromosomes, 22 pairs of autosomes, and 1 pair of sex chromosomes (the x and y chromosomes).

Heterozygote: With respect to a given genetic locus, a diploid individual carrying two different alleles

Homolog: A compound belonging to a series of compounds that differ by a repeating group. For example, propanol (CH3CH2CH2OH), n-butanol (CH3CH2CH2CH2OH), and n-pentanol (CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2OH) are homolo . . . View Full Definition

Sex Chromosome: The x or y chromosome in human beings that determines the sex of an individual. Females have two x chromosomes in diploid cells: males have an x and a y chromosome. The sex chromosomes compr . . . View Full Definition

Meiosis: Cell division in which the chromosomes replicate, followed by two nuclear divisions. Each of the resulting gametes (in animals, spores in plants) receives a haploid set of chromosomes. Reduc . . . View Full Definition

Genetic Locus: A location on a chromosome (possibly of a diploid organism with variants that segregate according to the rules of Mendelian heredity)

Sporophyte: The diploid stage of a plant exhibiting alternation of generations. The diploid, spore producing phase of the plant life cycle.