monoploid
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a single set of chromosomes: Describes a cell or organism whose nucleus contains one complete set of chromosomes, typically denoted as 'n'. This is the haploid number of chromosomes for that species.
Usage
- The term monoploid is primarily used in the fields of genetics, cell biology, and botany to describe the chromosomal state of a cell or organism. It is a technical term.
- It is often used interchangeably with haploid in many contexts, though in strict botanical usage, 'haploid' can sometimes refer to the gametophytic generation regardless of its origin, while 'monoploid' specifically refers to an organism derived from a diploid species and having the basic chromosome number (x).
Examples
- Adjective:
- A monoploid cell contains only one set of chromosomes.
- The gametes produced by meiosis are monoploid.
- Some plants, like certain algae and fungi, spend most of their life cycle as monoploid organisms.
Advanced Usage
- Monoploidy (n.): The state or condition of being monoploid.
- Monoploidy is rare in animals but common in many plant species.
- In plant breeding, monoploid plants (often derived from pollen grains) are used to create homozygous diploid lines through chromosome doubling.
Variants and Related Words
- Haploid (adj.): Often used synonymously with monoploid, especially in zoology and general genetics.
- Diploid (adj.): Having two complete sets of chromosomes (2n).
- Polyploid (adj.): Having more than two complete sets of chromosomes.
- Monoploidy (n.): The condition of having a single set of chromosomes.
Synonyms
- Haploid (in most general biological contexts)
Antonyms
- Diploid
- Polyploid
Related Terms and Concepts
- Chromosome set (n): A complete group of chromosomes, one of each type, characteristic of a species.
- Gamete (n): A mature haploid (monoploid) reproductive cell.
- Meiosis (n): The type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing monoploid cells from a diploid cell.
Adjective
-
of a cell or organism having a single set of chromosomes
