A 2n cell from an organism has 40 chromosomes. How many chromosomes in a haploid gamete from this organism?

Question

thanks!

Answer 1

Haploid means half. The gamete will have 20 chromatids.

Answer 2

Diploid is 2n - it means there are two of every kind of chromosome.

Haploid is 1n or just n - it means there is only one of every kind of chromosome.

If the 2n number is 40, then n is 20. Simple math.

The "hap" of haploid refers to "half - half as many chromosomes of a normal cell. Haploid is often called "monoploid". Mono means one; one of every kind of chromosome.

Likewise:
triploid - three of every kind of chromosome
tetraploid - four of every kind of chromosome
octoploid - eight of every kind of chromosome