polyploid

/'pɔliplɔid/

Thân thiện

A scientist examines a polyploid plant under a microscope.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • (Biology) Having more than two complete sets of chromosomes in the cell nucleus. This is a genetic condition where an organism's cells contain multiple copies of its basic chromosome set (more than the diploid number, which is two sets).

2. Noun:

   • (Biology, Genetics) An organism or a cell that possesses more than two complete sets of chromosomes. This term refers to the entity itself that exhibits polyploidy.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • Wheat is a polyploid species, which contributes to its genetic robustness.
  • The botanist studied the polyploid plants to understand their evolutionary advantages.
  • A polyploid condition can arise from errors during cell division.

• Noun:

  • Many commercially important crops, such as strawberries and cotton, are polyploids.
  • The scientist identified the new fern as a polyploid.
  • Comparing the growth of a diploid and its corresponding polyploid revealed significant differences.

Advanced Usage

• Autopolyploid vs. Allopolyploid: These are specific types of polyploids. An autopolyploid has multiple chromosome sets derived from a single species, while an allopolyploid results from the combination of chromosome sets from different species (often following hybridization).
  • Example: Common bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is an allopolyploid that arose from the hybridization of three different grass species.

Variants and Related Words

• Polyploidy (n): The state or condition of being polyploid. This is the abstract noun form.
  • Example: Polyploidy is a major mechanism of speciation in plants.
• Diploid (adj/n): Having two complete sets of chromosomes (the typical condition for most animal somatic cells).
• Haploid (adj/n): Having a single set of chromosomes (e.g., in gametes like sperm and egg cells).
• Tetraploid (adj/n): A specific type of polyploid possessing four complete sets of chromosomes.

Synonyms

• (For the concept): Multiploid (less common), having multiple chromosome sets.
• (Antonyms): Haploid, diploid.

Related Terms and Concepts

• Chromosome set (genome): A complete set of chromosomes (one from each parent in a diploid).
• Endoreduplication: A process where DNA is replicated without cell division, leading to polyploid cells.
• Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species, which polyploidy can drive, especially in plants.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of a cell or organism having more than twice the haploid number of chromosomes
   • a polyploid cell
   • a polyploid species

Noun

1. (genetics) an organism or cell having more than twice the haploid number of chromosomes