MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 855

Which of the following describes a haploid cell?

Contains two sets of chromosomes

Contains one set of chromosomes

A haploid cell is defined as having one complete set of chromosomes, which is indicative of the gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. In humans, for example, gametes (sperm and eggs) are haploid and contain 23 chromosomes, as opposed to somatic cells, which are diploid and contain 46 chromosomes (two sets of 23).

This distinguishing property of haploid cells is critical in sexual reproduction, as it ensures that when two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have the correct diploid number of chromosomes, restoring the pair from each parent.

Understanding haploid cells helps clarify concepts related to genetic variation and the fundamental processes of meiosis, which produces these cells specifically. While haploid cells can undergo mitosis in some organisms, they primarily arise from meiosis, making the features of haploidy essential for studies in genetics and cell biology.

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Can undergo mitosis

Is produced by mitosis

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