Diploid vs. Haploid: What’s The Difference Between Diploid And Haploid?

What's the difference between diploid and haploid? We'll explain the difference between the two types of cells and how they're used in the body. We'll also provide a few examples of each type. Read more here.
Diploid vs. Haploid: 6 Key Differences, Pros & Cons, Examples

Diploid vs. Haploid: there are two types of cells in the human body, diploid and haploid. The main difference between diploid and haploid is due to the different number of chromosomes present in them, as there are two chromosomes in diploid cells, while there is a single chromosome within haploid cells.

Let’s take a closer look at haploid vs. diploid

FormationHaploid cells are formed after miosis, and diploid are formed after mitosis.
No. of ChromosomeHaploids contain double the number of chromosomes than diploid
Cell DivisionDiploid cells have mitotic cell division, while haploid cells have meiotic cell division.
SignificanceBoth helps in growth and reproduction

What Is Diploid?

What Is Diploid?
If we look at diploid meaning: diploids are cells which consist of two sets of chromosomes. Almost all mammals present on the earth have diploid genomes. There are two sets of chromosomes, which means they have a double number of chromosomes present in the haploid cells. In these two sets of chromosomes, one belongs to the father, and the other one belongs to0 the mother. The diploid cells are formed after mitosis and are genetically identical to their parent cells. These cells are present within the somatic cells of vertebrates and are very important cells for the growth and development of these organisms. The life cycle stage of diploid is known as the "sporophytic stage" the diploid stage is not prominent as a haploid stage, but in the cycle of pteridophytes, the diploid stage is more predominant as compared to the haploid stage.

If we look at diploid meaning: diploids are cells which consist of two sets of chromosomes. Almost all mammals present on the earth have diploid genomes. There are two sets of chromosomes, which means they have a double number of chromosomes present in the haploid cells. In these two sets of chromosomes, one belongs to the father, and the other one belongs to0 the mother. The diploid cells are formed after mitosis and are genetically identical to their parent cells. These cells are present within the somatic cells of vertebrates and are very important cells for the growth and development of these organisms. The life cycle stage of diploid is known as the “sporophytic stage” the diploid stage is not prominent as a haploid stage, but in the cycle of pteridophytes, the diploid stage is more predominant as compared to the haploid stage.

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What Is Haploid?

What Is Haploid?
If we look at the haploid meaning, these cells have only one set of chromosomes. Organisms which consist of haploid somatic cells are only considered haploid organisms. Some organisms produce diploid gametes during reproduction, which fertilize and form a diploid zygote. Such organisms are considered diploid. They contain a single set of chromosomes, which means they have half of the chromosomes as compared to diploid cells. The haploid cells are formed after meiosis and are not genetically identical to the parent cells. These can be found within gametes or sex cells of vertebrates and play an important role in sexual reproduction and genetic diversity. The life cycle stage of a haploid cell is known as the "gametophytic stage", which is more predominant than the diploid stage. But in the cycle of a pteridophyte, the haploid stage is less prominent as compared to the diploid stage.

If we look at the haploid meaning, these cells have only one set of chromosomes. Organisms which consist of haploid somatic cells are only considered haploid organisms. Some organisms produce diploid gametes during reproduction, which fertilize and form a diploid zygote. Such organisms are considered diploid. They contain a single set of chromosomes, which means they have half of the chromosomes as compared to diploid cells. The haploid cells are formed after meiosis and are not genetically identical to the parent cells. These can be found within gametes or sex cells of vertebrates and play an important role in sexual reproduction and genetic diversity. The life cycle stage of a haploid cell is known as the “gametophytic stage”, which is more predominant than the diploid stage. But in the cycle of a pteridophyte, the haploid stage is less prominent as compared to the diploid stage.

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6 Key differences Between Diploid and Haploid Cells

ComponentsDiploid CellsHaploid Cells
DefinitionDiploids are cells which consist of two sets of chromosomesHaploids are cells which have only one set of chromosome
ChromosomesDiploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes, which means they have double the number of chromosomes present in haploid cells.They contain a single set of chromosomes, which means they have half of the chromosomes as compared to diploid cells.
Parent CellsThe diploid cells are formed after mitosis and are genetically identical to their parent cells.The haploid cells are formed after meiosis, and they are not genetically identical to the parent cells.
Alternation of GenerationThe life cycle stage of diploid is known as the “sporophytic stage” the diploid stage is not prominent as a haploid stage, but in the cycle of pteridophytes, the diploid stage is more predominant as compared to the haploid stage.The life cycle stage of a haploid cell is known as the “gametophytic stage”, which is more predominant than a diploid stage. But in the cycle of pteridophytes, the haploid stage is less prominent as compared to the diploid stage.
CellsThese cells are present within the somatic cells of vertebrates.These can be found within gametes or sex cells of vertebrates.
ImportanceThese are very important cells for the growth and development of living organisms.These cells play an important role in sexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

Diploid vs. Haploid Similarities

  • Whether it is diploid or haploid, both cells contain chromosomes.
  • Both cells are important for the development, growth and sexual reproduction of the organisms.
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Diploid vs. Haploid Examples

Diploid Examples

  • Skin cells
  • Blood cells
  • Muscle cells

Haploid Examples

  • Sperm and egg cells
  • Pollen
  • Spores

Diploid vs. Haploid Pros and Cons

Diploid Cells Pros and Cons

Diploid Cells Pros and Cons

Pros of Diploid Cells

  • Diploid cells are very important for the growth and development of organisms.
  • Diploid carries two alleles copies, providing benefits of a greater genetic potential to carry out multiple functions.

Cons of Diploid Cell

  • Sometimes the cells contain fewer or more copies of the chromosomes, which can cause certain diseases.
  • An abnormal number of chromosomes can cause an abnormality, “Diploid-triploid mosaicism (DSM)”, which can decrease muscle tone and slow down the growth rate.

Haploid Cells Pros and Cons

Haploid Cells Pros and Cons

Pros of Haploid Cells

  • Haploid cells are essential for sexual reproduction,  the gametes unite during fertilization, and the chromosome number is restored in pregnancy.
  • Haploid plants are produced, which are further used in basic research and plant breeding.

Cons of Haploid cells

  • Sometimes, the haploid cell only contains half of the set of single chromosomes, which results in haploid syndrome.
  • The frequency of producing haploids is very low compared to diploids, as it requires high-level management and expertise.

Comparison Chart

What's the difference between diploid and haploid? We'll explain the difference between the two types of cells and how they're used in the body. We'll also provide a few examples of each type. Read more here.

Comparison Video

5.2.1 Haploid v. Diploid

Conclusion

Diploid and haploid are two types of cells in the human body which are important for the development, growth and sexual reproduction of organisms. Suppose we look at diploid Vs. Haploid differences, both have different numbers of chromosomes and different characteristics, as diploid cells consist of two sets of chromosomes and are formed after mitosis. At the same time, haploid cells have only one set of a chromosome and are formed after meiosis. And in the diploid versus haploid life cycle, The life cycle stage of a diploid is known as the “sporophyte stage” the diploid stage is not prominent as a haploid stage, but in the cycle of a pteridophyte, the diploid stage is more predominant as compared to the haploid stage. And The life cycle stage of a haploid cell is known as the “gametophyte stage”, which is more predominant than a diploid stage. But in the cycle of pteridophytes, the haploid stage is less prominent as compared to the diploid stage.

Alex Stantor
Alex Stantor

Alex Stantor is a Sorbonne University (Paris, France) graduate in Philosophy and Data Analysis. Currently, he is an Author and Researcher at Difference 101, he writes articles/blog posts on topics such as "thinking differently" and "the importance of difference". Alex is a passionate advocate of diversity in the workplace and in companies, and diversity and inclusion in corporate communications. He currently lives in Brooklyn.

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