Which of the following accurately describes a diploid cell?

Prepare for the UCF Biology I Exam. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Master your UCF exam!

A diploid cell is characterized by containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. In humans and most other organisms, diploid cells are designated as having a chromosome number represented as 2n, where "n" represents the number of unique chromosomes. For instance, in humans, the diploid number is 46, reflecting the presence of two sets of 23 chromosomes.

This dual set of chromosomes is crucial for sexual reproduction, as it ensures that when gametes (which are haploid cells) fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote will once again have a complete diploid set. Thus, understanding diploidy is essential for grasping basic genetic principles, particularly those related to inheritance, development, and cell division processes like mitosis.

The other options provided do not accurately describe a diploid cell, highlighting the distinction between diploid and haploid cell types as well as the mechanisms of cell production.

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