NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Haploid

Haploid (meaning simple in Greek) cells have only one copy of each chromosome. Most fungi, and a few algae exist as haploid organisms. Plants and other algae switch between a haploid and a diploid or polyploid state, with one of the stages emphasized over the other. This is called alternation of generations. Animals are primarily diploid but produce haploid gametes.

Each of these organisms produces haploid sex cells that can combine to form a diploid zygote. The zygote has genetic information from both cells and soon grows into an embryo.

See also:

Categories: Classical genetics

Results from FactBites:

The Haploid Life Cycle (288 words)
	Haploid life cycle is the most common in algae (without dikaryotic phase) and most fungi (with dikaryotic phase).
	Colonial alga such as red alga, brown alga, and green alga and filamentous alga such as red, green, and brown alga all exhibit haploid life cycle.
	A general life history includes both a 1n stage and a 2n stage separated by meiosis and syngamy.

Haploid Cells (279 words)
	Haploid cells are often used in sexual reproduction.
	In fungus and certain algae, however, haploid cells are the norm.
	Haploid cells in animals are formed through meiosis, where one chromosome is chosen at random to inhabit the haploid germ cells.

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