Noun
/ˈjuːplɔɪdi/
Euploidy refers to a condition in which a cell or organism has a complete set of chromosomes, typically characterized by having multiples of the haploid number (the number of chromosomes in a gamete). It is used predominantly in genetics and biology to describe the chromosomal composition of an organism. The term is more frequently found in written texts, such as scientific literature or textbooks, compared to informal or everyday spoken contexts.
Frequency of Use: This term is commonly used within biological and genetic contexts, particularly in discussions about cell division, genetic variation, and species classification.
(Euploidy es esencial para el desarrollo adecuado de muchas plantas y animales.)
Researchers found that euploidy in certain species can influence their adaptability to environmental changes.
(Los investigadores encontraron que la euploidía en ciertas especies puede influir en su adaptabilidad a los cambios ambientales.)
In contrast to aneuploidy, euploidy suggests genetic stability in the organism.
Although "euploidy" itself is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, it can be used in various discussions regarding genetics and biology. Here are some phrases and contexts where it might appear:
(En el mundo de la genética, la euploidía es la regla en lugar de la excepción.)
"Studies show that euploidy contributes to the overall fitness of the population."
(Los estudios muestran que la euploidía contribuye a la condición general de la población.)
"Understanding euploidy can shed light on evolutionary processes."
(Entender la euploidía puede arrojar luz sobre los procesos evolutivos.)
"When analyzing plant species, euploidy plays a significant role in plant breeding."
The word euploidy is derived from the Greek components "eu-", meaning "good" or "true", and “ploidy,” which is from the Greek "ploidēs," meaning "the number of sets." Therefore, euploidy refers to having the correct (or complete) number of chromosome sets.
Synonyms:
- Haploidy (when referring to a single set of chromosomes)
- Polyploidy (when referring to multiple complete sets of chromosomes)
Antonyms:
- Aneuploidy (the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell)
- Nullisomy (loss of both homologous chromosomes of a pair)
This comprehensive coverage of "euploidy" illustrates its significance in genetic discussions, highlighting its distinct meanings, usage, and related concepts.