Haplome

/ˈhæpləˌmoʊm/ noun

Definition

The complete set of chromosomes in a haploid cell (a cell with only one copy of each chromosome), used in genetics research.

Etymology

From 'haplo-' (Greek 'haploos' meaning 'single') + '-ome' (a suffix used in genetics for complete sets, as in 'genome'). This terminology emerged in 20th-century genetics when scientists needed precise language for different levels of genetic organization.

Kelly Says

The haplome is especially important in understanding sex cells and plant reproduction—while most of your cells are diploid (two copies of each chromosome), your sperm or egg cells are haploid, containing just a haplome, which is why combining them creates a complete new individual.

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