Final answer:
The 'n' in a haploid (1n) or diploid (2n) cell refers to the number of distinct sets of chromosomes present in the cell. For humans, n equals 23, representing the 23 chromosomes in a haploid cell, like sperm or eggs. This results in diploid cells having 46 chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In biology, a haploid cell designated as 1n has one set of chromosomes, whereas a diploid cell represented as 2n contains two sets of chromosomes. The 'n' stands for the number of distinct sets of chromosomes that make up a complete set for an organism. In humans, haploid cells like sperm and eggs contain 23 chromosomes, thus n equals 23 for humans.
When two haploid cells unite during fertilization, they create a diploid zygote with twice the number of chromosomes, symbolized as 2n, which means 2 times 23 chromosomes, equaling 46 in total for humans. During meiosis, a diploid cell undergoes DNA replication followed by two cell divisions, resulting in four haploid daughter cells. The haploid cells are crucial for sexual reproduction since they ensure that the offspring have a genetically appropriate total chromosome number, receiving half from each parent.