Which term refers to an organism or cell having two sets of chromosomes?

The term that refers to an organism or cell having two sets of chromosomes is diploid. In diploid cells, the total number of chromosomes is represented as 2n, where n is the number of distinct chromosome types. This means that diploid organisms have pairs of homologous chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent, allowing for genetic diversity during sexual reproduction.

For instance, in humans, the diploid number is 46, consisting of 23 pairs of chromosomes. This is significant in processes such as meiosis, where these diploid cells undergo division to form haploid gametes, ensuring that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote restores the diploid number.

In contrast, haploid refers to cells with one complete set of chromosomes (n), such as gametes. Monoploid is generally used synonymously with haploid but can imply a single set of chromosomes without referring to homologous pairs. Polyploid describes organisms or cells with more than two complete sets of chromosomes, which is common in some plant species but not typically in animals.