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.

trisomy

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.

Trisomy

Trisomy is a genetic condition where an organism has three copies of a particular chromosome instead of the usual two. For a plant with a haploid number of 4, a trisomic individual would have one extra chromosome, resulting in a total of 9 chromosomes (4 + 1 = 9) in its somatic cells.

Chromosome Structure and Function

Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA and proteins, playing a crucial role in heredity and gene expression. Understanding chromosome structure is essential for grasping how variations like trisomy can affect an organism's development and traits, as the presence of an extra chromosome can lead to abnormal phenotypes.