If the haploid number for a plant species is 4, how many chromosomes are found in a member of the species that has one of the following characteristics? Explain your reasoning in each case.

triploidy

Key Concepts

Haploid and Diploid Numbers

The haploid number (n) refers to the number of chromosomes in a gamete, which is half the total number of chromosomes in a diploid organism. In this case, if the haploid number for the plant species is 4, the diploid number (2n) would be 8, representing the total chromosomes in somatic cells.

Triploidy

Triploidy is a condition where an organism has three sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two. For a species with a haploid number of 4, a triploid individual would have 3n chromosomes, which equals 12 chromosomes (3 sets of 4), resulting in a total of 12 chromosomes in the triploid plant.

Chromosome Number Variation

Chromosome number can vary due to processes like polyploidy, where organisms have more than two complete sets of chromosomes. Understanding how these variations affect genetic traits and reproductive strategies is crucial in genetics, especially in plant species where polyploidy is common.