What is the difference between haploid and diploid cells?
The sets of chromosomes found within a nucleus are described by the term ploidy. The term has resulted in haploid and diploid cells. These terms tend to confuse a lot of people.
The core difference between diploid and haploid cells is that diploid cells contain two sets of complete chromosomes while haploid cells contain one set of complete chromosomes.
Comparison Table between Haploid and Diploid Cells
| Basic Terms | Haploid Cells | Diploid Cells |
| Description | Contain only one set of chromosomes | Contain two sets of chromosomes |
| Cell Division | Meiosis | Mitosis |
| Example of an Organism | Humans | Humans and another type of cells |
| Examples of Cells | Gametes | Blood cells, skin cells, and muscle cells |
| Number of Chromosomes | 23 chromosomes | 46 chromosomes |
What Is Haploid Cell?
The haploid cell is a type of cell that has a single set of chromosomes. The total number of chromosomes present in a haploid cell is 23.
These haploid cells are common in gametes. They are typically responsible for sexual reproduction by producing sperm and ovum.
Meiosis results in the formation of haploid cells which merged with other haploid cells during fertilization. These cells are common in higher organisms like humans only.
What Is a Diploid Cell?
The diploid cell is a type of cell that has two sets of chromosomes. The total number of chromosomes present in a diploid cell is 46.
These diploid cells are common in somatic cells such as skin cells, muscle cells, and blood cells.
Mitosis is the cell division that is responsible for the formation of diploid cells. The cells are responsible for making daughter cells that have exact replicas.
Main Difference between Haploid and Diploid Cells in Tabular Form
- Diploid cells consist of two sets of chromosomes while haploid cells consist of one set of chromosomes
- Haploid cells example is gametes while diploid cells examples are blood cells, muscle cells, and skin cells
- Diploid cells consist of 46 chromosomes while haploid cells consist of 23 chromosomes
- Haploid cells undergo meiosis while diploid undergo mitosis cell division
- Haploid cells are present in green growths, parasites, and ants whereas diploid cells are present in animals, plants, and fungi
Similarities between Haploid and Diploid Cells
- Both experience cell division
- Both occur in sets of chromosomes
- Both occur in higher organisms
Frequently Asked Questions (Haploid Cell vs Diploid Cell)
- Are the Body Cells Diploid or Haploid?
Diploid. All human cells except sex cells are diploid. These diploid cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes obtained from each parent.
- Are Human Cells Haploid?
Haploid cells present in humans are gametes. The rest body cells are diploid cells. Haploid cells have a single set of chromosomes.
- Why Do Cells need to be Diploid?
All organisms that reproduce sexually need both diploid and haploid cells to reproduce. Diploid cells tend to fuse in order to create new organisms.
- Is Polyploidy Good or Bad?
The term is not common in animals. However, it is believed that it plays a vital role during evolution, eons ago, of vertebrates, ray-finned fish, and the salmon family.
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Comparison Video
Summary
The main difference between haploid and diploid cells is that haploid cells have one set of chromosomes whereas diploid has two sets of chromosomes. Also, haploid cells undergo meiosis and diploid cells undergo mitosis.
More Sources and References
- Diploid. Nature
- Diploids to Haploids. Brooklyn School