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.

tetraploidy

Key Concepts

Haploid Number

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, a haploid number of 4 indicates that the plant species has 4 chromosomes in its gametes, which are involved in sexual reproduction.

Diploid Number

The diploid number (2n) is the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell, which is double the haploid number. For the plant species with a haploid number of 4, the diploid number would be 8, representing the full set of chromosomes in non-reproductive cells.

Tetraploidy

Tetraploidy is a condition where an organism has four sets of chromosomes (4n). If the haploid number is 4, a tetraploid member of this species would have 16 chromosomes (4 sets of 4), which can lead to increased size and vigor in plants, often seen in agricultural crops.