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Somatic cells (body cells) contain two sets of chromosomes. This condition is called __________ .

a.haploid
b.homoploid
c.hemiploid
d.diploid

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Body cells, or somatic cells, contain two sets of chromosomes and are called diploid. These cells have homologous chromosomes with identical genes at the same loci. Haploid cells, found in reproductive structures, have only one set of chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Somatic cells (body cells) contain two sets of chromosomes. This condition is called diploid. In each somatic cell of an organism, there are two copies of each chromosome, known as homologous chromosomes. These chromosomes are matched pairs containing the same genes in identical locations along their length. Diploid organisms inherit one set of chromosomes from each parent, forming a full set.

Haploid cells, on the other hand, contain a single set of chromosomes and are typically found within an organism's reproductive structures. When a haploid sperm (n) combines with a haploid egg (n), a diploid zygote is formed. It's important to note that body cells are not gametes; gametes are the reproductive cells that are haploid and merge to form a zygote, which then develops into a diploid organism.

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