In general, what is the ploidy (n) state of human cells?

• A. Haploid except for zygotes
• B. Diploid early in life, becoming haploid with age
• C. Haploid early in life, becoming diploid with age
• D. Diploid in females, haploid in males
• E. Diploid except for gametes

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of ploidy: Ploidy refers to the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell. In humans, somatic cells are typically diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes (2n), one from each parent.
2. Identify the types of human cells: Human cells can be broadly categorized into somatic cells and gametes. Somatic cells make up most of the body, while gametes are the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs).
3. Determine the ploidy of somatic cells: Somatic cells are diploid (2n) because they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. This is the typical state for most cells in the human body.
4. Determine the ploidy of gametes: Gametes are haploid (n) because they contain only one set of chromosomes. This is necessary for sexual reproduction, as the fusion of two haploid gametes (sperm and egg) results in a diploid zygote.
5. Conclude the general ploidy state: Based on the information, human cells are generally diploid except for gametes, which are haploid. This means that the correct answer is 'Diploid except for gametes.'