Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Definition

noun

A haploid cell having two copies of the set of chromosomes.

adjective

Of or pertaining to a cell or organism containing two copies of the same haploid genome.

Supplement

For instance, haploids of tetraploid species are called dihaploid. A dihaploid occurs as a result of the spontaneous or induced chromosome doubling in haploid cells during embryogenesis.

Word origin: dihaploid - coined by Bender in 1963 to combine in one word the number of genome copies (diploid) and their origin (haploid).
Related forms: dihaploidy (noun), dihaploidic (adjective).
Synonym: doubled haploid.
Compare: haploidy, diploidy, monoploidy, polyploidy.
See also: ploidy, homologous chromosomes.