Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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How many sets of chromosomes do haploid cells contain?

One set
Two sets
Three sets
Four sets

The correct answer is: One set

Haploid cells contain one set of chromosomes, which is the defining characteristic of haploidy. This means that each cell has half the number of chromosomes compared to diploid cells, which contain two sets. In sexually reproducing organisms, haploid cells are typically associated with gametes: sperm and egg cells in animals, and pollen and ovules in plants. The significance of haploid cells lies in their role in sexual reproduction, where they combine during fertilization to restore the diploid state in the zygote, ensuring genetic diversity. This process is crucial for maintaining the stability of the chromosome number across generations in sexually reproducing species. Thus, the answer indicating that haploid cells have one set of chromosomes is correct.