Compared to the diploid number, the haploid number is:

Compared to the diploid number, the haploid number is:

• A. Half the diploid number
• B. Same as the diploid number
• C. Double the diploid number
• D. Quarter of the diploid number

Answer: (A)

Haploid and diploid numbers reflect the number of chromosome sets in a cell. A diploid cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes, while a haploid cell has only one set. Because there are two sets in diploid cells, the haploid number is exactly half of the diploid number. For example, humans have a diploid number of 46 and a haploid number of 23, with meiosis producing the haploid gametes and fertilization restoring the diploid number. The other options would imply the same, double, or quarter of the chromosome content, which doesn’t match the distinction between one set and two sets.

Haploid and diploid numbers reflect the number of chromosome sets in a cell. A diploid cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes, while a haploid cell has only one set. Because there are two sets in diploid cells, the haploid number is exactly half of the diploid number. For example, humans have a diploid number of 46 and a haploid number of 23, with meiosis producing the haploid gametes and fertilization restoring the diploid number. The other options would imply the same, double, or quarter of the chromosome content, which doesn’t match the distinction between one set and two sets.