What does triploidy mean?
Triploidy is the condition of having three complete sets of chromosomes in a cell or organism instead of the usual two. In diploid organisms, each chromosome generally has two homologues, one inherited from each parent; triploid cells contain three corresponding sets. The condition can arise through errors during meiosis or fertilization and may occur in some animal embryos, plants, or other organisms. Complete triploidy affects the whole organism, whereas mosaic triploidy describes a mixture of diploid and triploid cells. Triploidy is often associated with developmental abnormalities, miscarriage, or infertility, although its effects vary by species and by the chromosomes involved. The word is chiefly used in genetics, medicine, biology, and plant breeding, where it provides a precise name for an important chromosomal abnormality.
nounTriploidy is the genetic condition of having three complete sets of chromosomes in a cell or organism rather than the usual two. It can result from abnormalities in meiosis or fertilization and may cause developmental abnormalities or sterility.
- The genetic condition of having three complete sets of chromosomes in a cell or organism.
"Triploidy was detected in some of the embryos examined during the study."
"The laboratory confirmed triploidy in the fetus through chromosomal analysis."
"Triploidy is associated with severe developmental abnormalities and usually causes infertility in affected organisms."
The word is usually used as a singular abstract or mass noun. The plural is uncommon and is chiefly used when referring to separate cases or instances.
"Rare triploidies were identified among the samples examined."
Triploidy is what happens when a cell carries three complete chromosome sets instead of two—a genetic third copy at the scale of whole chromosome sets.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does triploidy come from?
Triploidy was formed in the scientific vocabulary of genetics from the combining form tri-, meaning “three,” and the related term -ploidy, which refers to the number of chromosome sets. Both elements derive ultimately from Greek, reflecting the historical development of chromosome terminology in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Its relatives diploidy, haploidy, and polyploidy use the same chromosomal framework to describe other numbers or conditions of chromosome sets.
Related word forms
How triploidy is actually used
This is primarily a formal scientific and medical term, especially used in genetics, embryology, cytology, and plant breeding. In general medical usage, triploidy refers to the chromosomal condition itself, while triploid may describe an affected organism or cell.
Easily confused with triploidy
Triploidy is the condition of having three chromosome sets, whereas triploid is an adjective describing an organism or cell with that condition, or a noun referring to such an organism.