Diploid Cells:
* Somatic Cells: These are all the cells in an organism's body that are *not* involved in sexual reproduction. Examples include:
* Skin cells
* Muscle cells
* Nerve cells
* Blood cells
* Bone cells
* Zygote: The fertilized egg cell that results from the fusion of a sperm and an egg.
Haploid Cells:
* Gametes: These are the reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that are involved in sexual reproduction.
Why the Difference?
* Diploid: Diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (one set from each parent). This allows for genetic diversity and ensures that the offspring receive a complete set of genetic information.
* Haploid: Haploid cells have only one set of chromosomes. When a sperm and egg (both haploid) fuse during fertilization, they create a diploid zygote with a complete set of chromosomes.
Key Point: The process of meiosis produces haploid gametes from diploid cells.
