What does polyploid mean?
Polyploid is a biological term for an organism or cell with more than two complete sets of chromosomes. Humans and most familiar animals are diploid, meaning that their cells normally contain two chromosome sets, one inherited from each parent. A polyploid therefore has an additional complete set or sets, a condition known as polyploidy. Polyploid plants may show enlarged organs, unusual fertility patterns, broader ecological tolerance, or other distinctive characteristics. The condition can arise through errors during cell division, hybridization followed by chromosome doubling, or deliberate laboratory treatment. Polyploid is used both as an adjective, as in “polyploid cells,” and as a noun for an organism possessing this chromosome arrangement. Although usually discussed in specialist biology, the word is also familiar in discussions of plant evolution, agriculture, genetics, and the evolutionary history of some groups of organisms.
Having more than two complete sets of chromosomes in each cell.
"The polyploid plant produced noticeably larger flowers."
Common in biology and especially used for organisms, cells, and chromosomes.
An organism or cell with more than two complete sets of chromosomes.
"Some polyploids can reproduce without producing viable seeds."
As a noun, it names the organism or cell rather than the condition; the condition itself is called polyploidy.
The plural is used when referring to multiple polyploid organisms or cells.
"The scientists compared the growth of the polyploids with that of ordinary diploid plants."
Polyploidy gives some plants an extra set of chromosomes that can help them survive stress, colonize new habitats, or reproduce in unusual ways.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polyploid come from?
The word combines the Greek prefix poly-, meaning “many,” with the element -ploid, associated with Greek ploos, meaning “form” or “fold.” The terminology developed within biological classification as scientists described chromosome sets and their multiples. The suffix also appears in related terms such as haploid and diploid, which distinguish single and double chromosome sets respectively.
Related word forms
How polyploid is actually used
The term is primarily used in biology, especially genetics, cytology, botany, and zoology. In general discussion, it is usually an adjective; as a noun, it refers to a polyploid organism or cell. Polyploidy can arise naturally or be induced experimentally.
Easily confused with polyploid
A diploid cell or organism has two complete chromosome sets, whereas a polyploid one has more than two.
Aneuploidy involves an abnormal number of individual chromosomes, while polyploidy involves additional complete chromosome sets.