What is the difference between haploid and diploid cells?

Haploid cells contain one complete set of chromosomes, while diploid cells contain two complete sets of chromosomes.

Haploid and diploid cells are two types of cells that differ in the number of chromosome sets they contain. In biology, the term 'haploid' refers to cells that have only one complete set of chromosomes. This is half the number of chromosomes found in diploid cells. Haploid cells are produced through a process called meiosis, which is a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes by half. Examples of haploid cells in humans are the sperm and egg cells, also known as gametes.

On the other hand, 'diploid' refers to cells that have two complete sets of chromosomes. One set is inherited from the mother and the other from the father. Most of the cells in our body are diploid, including skin, muscle, and blood cells. These cells are produced through a process called mitosis, which is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.

The difference between haploid and diploid cells is crucial in sexual reproduction. When a sperm (haploid) fertilises an egg (also haploid), the resulting cell, known as a zygote, is diploid. This means it has two complete sets of chromosomes and can develop into a new organism. This combination of chromosomes ensures genetic diversity, which is a key factor in evolution and adaptation.

In some organisms, like fungi and algae, the haploid phase of the life cycle is the most dominant. In others, like humans and most animals, the diploid phase is more prevalent. This variation in life cycles among different organisms is a fascinating aspect of biology, demonstrating the diverse strategies nature employs for survival and reproduction.