What are cells with single chromosomes called?

Cells with single chromosomes are referred to as haploid. In a haploid cell, there is only one set of chromosomes, which is characteristic of gametes or reproductive cells in many organisms, including humans. These cells contain half of the total number of chromosomes found in diploid cells, which have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid cells are essential for sexual reproduction because when two haploid gametes fuse during fertilization, they create a diploid zygote, restoring the total chromosome number. This reduction in chromosome number ensures genetic diversity in the offspring while maintaining the overall species chromosome count.

In contrast, diploid cells possess two complete sets of chromosomes, polyploid cells contain more than two sets, and aneuploid cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which may lead to various genetic disorders. Understanding the characteristics of these different cell types is crucial in genetics and cell biology.