Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Biology Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System MCAS Biology Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice queries, with thorough hints and explanations. Ensure success on your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

In the context of genetics, what does the term "haploid" refer to?

A cell containing two sets of chromosomes
A cell containing one set of chromosomes
Cells that can undergo mitosis
Cells that have lost chromosomes

The correct answer is: A cell containing one set of chromosomes

The term "haploid" refers to a cell that contains one set of chromosomes. This is a critical concept in genetics, particularly in the process of reproduction. In humans and many other organisms, haploid cells are typically gametes, which are the sperm and egg cells. These cells have half the number of chromosomes compared to the diploid cells, which contain two sets of chromosomes—one set inherited from each parent. Haploidy is essential for sexual reproduction because it allows for the restoration of the diploid state when two gametes fuse during fertilization. This reduces the chromosome number in gametes, which is vital for maintaining the correct number of chromosomes in the offspring. Understanding haploidy is crucial in genetics, as it helps explain various biological processes, including inheritance patterns and genetic diversity.