Ace the General Genetics Exam 2026 – Unlock the Secrets of Success!

An egg cell, or ovum, is classified as haploid, which means it contains one complete set of chromosomes. In humans, for example, the haploid number is 23 chromosomes. This classification is important within the context of sexual reproduction, where the egg must combine with a haploid sperm cell to create a diploid zygote with a complete set of 46 chromosomes.

Understanding that egg cells are haploid helps to clarify the processes of meiosis and fertilization. During meiosis, diploid germ cells undergo two rounds of division to produce haploid gametes—egg and sperm. This reduction in chromosome number is essential for maintaining the stability of an organism’s genome across generations.

The other classifications, such as diploid, polyploid, and euploid, refer to different chromosome compositions: diploid refers to cells with two complete sets of chromosomes, polyploid refers to cells with more than two sets, and euploid describes a cell with a complete set of chromosomes, though it doesn't specify the number of sets. Hence, recognizing that an egg cell is haploid is crucial for understanding fundamental concepts in genetics and reproduction.