Final answer:
The term for a single set of chromosomes in a cell is haploid, typically found in sex cells like human sperm and eggs, each carrying 23 chromosomes. Somatic cells are diploid and contain 46 chromosomes, representing two sets of chromosomes from each parent. The correct option for the question is 3) haploid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to a single set of chromosomes in a cell is haploid. This term represents cells that contain only one complete set of chromosomes, which is half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. Human gametes, such as sperm and eggs, are examples of haploid cells, containing 23 chromosomes each. In contrast, somatic cells are diploid and contain 46 chromosomes, which means they have two sets of 23 chromosomes—one set inherited from each parent. The misinformation provided in the reference that somatic cells are haploid and gametes are diploid is incorrect. The correct information is that somatic cells are diploid (2n) and gametes are haploid (n).
Diploid cells are denoted as 2n and they form the majority of the human body's cells, containing homologous pairs of chromosomes. Diploidy is the condition of having paired chromosomes in each somatic cell. When two haploid gametes combine during fertilization, they form a diploid zygote with the complete set of chromosomes necessary for developing into a mature organism.