Pronunciation: [hˈaplɔ͡ɪd] (IPA) 
The word "haploid" is spelled with a silent "d" at the end. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈhæplɔɪd/. The first syllable "hap" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and rhymes with "map". The second syllable "loid" is pronounced with a long "oi" sound, like "oy", and a silent "d" at the end. In genetics, the term haploid refers to a cell or organism with only one set of chromosomes, compared to diploid cells that have two sets.
Haploid is an adjective that refers to a cell or organism having half the number of chromosomes compared to the typical body cells. It is derived from the Greek words "haploos" meaning "single" or "simple" and "eidos" meaning "shape" or "form." In genetics and biology, haploid specifically describes a condition where a cell contains a single set of chromosomes rather than the matched pairs found in a diploid cell.
Haploid cells are produced through a specialized cell division called meiosis, which occurs during the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs) in sexually reproducing organisms. During meiosis, a diploid cell undergoes two consecutive divisions, resulting in the formation of four haploid cells. These haploid cells are genetically distinct and contain half of the genetic material of the original diploid cell.
Haploid organisms, such as bacteria, algae, fungi, and certain plants, exist throughout the natural world. Additionally, haploid cells are crucial for sexual reproduction as they combine with another haploid cell during fertilization to form a diploid zygote, which then develops into a new organism.
The concept of haploidy is also valuable in genetic research, where haploid cells can be manipulated to study gene function, genome organization, and genetic inheritance. Haploid organisms or cells are often used in laboratories to simplify genetic studies and understand biological processes. Therefore, haploid is an essential term in genetics, biology, and reproductive biology that defines a cell or organism with an unpaired set of chromosomes.
The reduced number of chromosomes in the gamete.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "haploid" has its origins in the combination of two Greek words: "haploos" (ἁπλοῦς) and "eidos" (εἶδος).
The term "haploos" means "single" or "simple", while "eidos" refers to "form" or "appearance". In the context of genetics and biology, the term "haploid" describes a cell or an organism with a single set of unpaired chromosomes.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "haploid" reflects its meaning as a genetic state characterized by a single set of chromosomes, distinguishing it from the more common "diploid" state which has two sets of chromosomes.
