Having more than two complete sets of chromosomes in each cell. Many plants are naturally polyploid, which can result in larger size, increased vigor, or sterility.
From Greek 'poly-' meaning 'many' and '-ploid' from 'aploos' meaning 'single' or 'simple.' The term emerged in early 20th-century genetics as chromosome studies advanced.
Many of our favorite fruits are polyploid 'accidents' of nature - bananas are triploid (three chromosome sets), which is why they're seedless, and strawberries are octoploid with eight sets! This chromosome multiplication often creates the large, juicy fruits we love but can't reproduce naturally.
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