What does amphidiploid mean?
Amphidiploid is a specialist cytogenetic term for a cell or organism carrying two complete chromosome sets from each of two parental species, usually following hybridization and chromosome doubling. The resulting complement is tetraploid and can be described as an allotetraploid, although amphidiploid emphasizes the origin and parental contribution of the chromosome sets. The word may be used as a noun, as in “a newly produced amphidiploid,” or as an adjective, as in “an amphidiploid hybrid.” It is especially common in plant genetics and crop science, where chromosome doubling can combine useful traits from distinct species and make fertile descendants possible. Outside biology it is rarely encountered. Its name reflects its structure: the Greek-derived elements mean “both,” “two,” and a multiple of chromosome sets. Understanding the term helps distinguish a specific four-set hybrid from the broader category of polyploids and from ordinary diploids, which have only one chromosome set from each parent.
Denoting a cell, organism, or chromosome complement possessing two complete chromosome sets derived from each of two parental species.
"The amphidiploid hybrid produced fertile plants."
Common in genetic and plant-breeding literature.
A cell or organism possessing two complete chromosome sets derived from each of two parental species.
"Each amphidiploid carried a full chromosome complement from both parental species."
Less common than the adjectival use, but standard in cytogenetic and taxonomic discussion.
Used for multiple amphidiploid organisms or cells, especially in comparative breeding or genetic studies.
"Several amphidiploids were compared for fertility and chromosome stability."
Amphidiploid is chromosome arithmetic in a name: two chromosome sets from each of two parental species.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does amphidiploid come from?
The term was formed in modern English from Greek-derived combining forms: amphi-, meaning “both” or “on both sides,” di-, meaning “two,” and -ploid, the element used in terminology for chromosome-set multiples. These elements parallel those found in diploid, haploid, polyploid, and tetraploid, and the word emerged with the development of modern cytogenetics.
Related word forms
How amphidiploid is actually used
This is specialist terminology used chiefly in cytogenetics, plant genetics, and crop breeding. It is uncommon outside specialist biological contexts.
Easily confused with amphidiploid
An amphidiploid has two chromosome sets from each of two parental species, whereas an allopolyploid is the broader category covering polyploids with chromosome sets derived from different species.