What are cells that have paired chromosomes called?

Cells that have paired chromosomes are referred to as diploid. In a diploid cell, there are two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. This means that for each chromosome type, there are two homologous chromosomes in the nucleus. Diploid cells are characteristic of most somatic (body) cells in organisms that reproduce sexually, following a diploid-dominant life cycle.

Understanding the concept of diploidy is crucial in genetics and biology, as it plays a vital role in processes like meiosis and fertilization, impacting genetic variation within populations. In contrast, haploid cells contain only one complete set of chromosomes, typically seen in gametes, while monoploid refers to a single set of chromosomes usually in certain plant species. Aneuploid describes cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can lead to various genetic disorders.