if an organism’s diploid number is 12, its haploid number is _
The correct answer and explanation is:
If an organism’s diploid number is 12, its haploid number is 6.
The diploid number, often represented as 2n, refers to the total number of chromosomes in a somatic (body) cell of an organism. These chromosomes are organized in pairs, with one chromosome of each pair inherited from the mother and the other from the father. In this case, a diploid number of 12 means the organism has 6 pairs of chromosomes in each somatic cell, totaling 12 chromosomes.
The haploid number, represented as n, is the number of chromosomes found in the gametes (sperm or egg cells) of the organism. Haploid cells contain only one chromosome from each pair because they are produced through a special type of cell division called meiosis. This ensures that when two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have the correct diploid number of chromosomes.
In this case, since the diploid number is 12, dividing this number by 2 gives a haploid number of 6. Each gamete will therefore contain 6 unpaired chromosomes. When a sperm cell (n = 6) fuses with an egg cell (n = 6), the resulting zygote will once again have a full set of chromosomes (2n = 12).
This division into haploid and diploid numbers is fundamental to the sexual reproduction of organisms. It ensures genetic stability across generations while also promoting genetic diversity. During meiosis, genetic recombination can occur, allowing the offspring to have a unique combination of traits from both parents. Understanding the difference between haploid and diploid numbers is essential in genetics, biology, and studies related to heredity and variation.