Final answer:
An error in meiosis resulting in a cell with double the number of chromosomes is typically called polyploidy, and more specifically autopolyploidy, when all chromosomes are from the same species.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an error in meiosis results in a cell having double the number of chromosomes, it is typically referred to as «polyploidy». This condition occurs when a meiotic error prevents the normal reduction of chromosomes, leading to gametes with a diploid (2n) number of chromosomes instead of the haploid (n) number. However, in the context of the description provided - where the cell has double the number of chromosomes but all from the same species - this is specifically called autopolyploidy.
Normally, meiosis results in four genetically unique haploid daughter cells, each with half the DNA content of the original cell. In humans, this means that from a diploid cell with 46 chromosomes, meiosis would produce haploid cells with 23 chromosomes. Moreover, somatic cells, also known as body cells, contain the diploid number of chromosomes, meaning two sets, one from each parent.
If a cell was to accidentally maintain a diploid chromosomal number in its gametes, it could lead to a condition known as aneuploidy if that gamete were to fuse with a normal haploid gamete during fertilization. Aneuploidy refers to an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell and can result in various developmental disorders or diseases depending on which chromosome is affected and how.