Final answer:
A diploid cell contains double the number of chromosomes compared to a haploid cell. The correct answer is option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
A diploid cell has double the number of chromosomes as a haploid cell. In the context of human cells, diploid cells constitute the majority, including somatic cells, and they have 46 chromosomes. These are referred to with the symbol 2n.
On the other hand, haploid cells, such as gametes, contain 23 chromosomes, which is half the number in diploid cells, denoted by n. When fertilization occurs, a haploid sperm and a haploid egg combine to form a diploid zygote, maintaining the species-specific chromosome number.
During meiosis, a single diploid cell undergoes two rounds of cell division but only one round of DNA replication, ultimately resulting in four genetically unique haploid cells that have one copy of each chromosome. It is essential for the production of gametes in sexually reproducing organisms.