What is a key characteristic of diploid organisms?

• A. They have one set of chromosomes
• B. They have two sets of chromosomes
• C. They are haploid
• D. They are asexually reproducing

Answer: (B)

Diploid organisms are characterized by having two complete sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. This means that in diploid cells, chromosomes exist in pairs. For example, humans, as diploid organisms, have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs, with each pair consisting of one chromosome from the mother and one from the father. This diploid condition is important for sexual reproduction, as it allows for genetic diversity through the mixing of alleles during meiosis, where the diploid cells undergo division to produce haploid gametes (sperm and eggs).

In contrast to diploid organisms, haploid organisms have only one set of chromosomes. This is not characteristic of diploid life forms. The concept of asexual reproduction does not pertain specifically to being diploid or haploid since both types of organisms can reproduce sexually or asexually. Thus, having two sets of chromosomes is the defining characteristic of diploid organisms.