Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

6. Chromosomal Variation

Chromosomal Mutations: Aberrant Euploidy

Genetics

6. Chromosomal Variation

Chromosomal Mutations: Aberrant Euploidy

Previous problemNext problem

2:43 minutes

Problem 8b

Textbook Question

If the haploid number for a plant species is 4, how many chromosomes are found in a member of the species that has one of the following characteristics? Explain your reasoning in each case.
Pentaploidy

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of haploid number: The haploid number (n) represents the number of chromosomes in a single set of the organism's genome. For this plant species, the haploid number is given as 4 (n = 4).

Define pentaploidy: Pentaploidy refers to an organism having five sets of chromosomes (5n). This is a type of polyploidy, where the chromosome number is a multiple of the haploid number.

Calculate the total number of chromosomes: Multiply the haploid number (n = 4) by the number of sets in pentaploidy (5). The formula is:

5 \times 4

Explain the reasoning: Since pentaploidy means five complete sets of chromosomes, the total chromosome count is the result of multiplying the haploid number by 5. This ensures the organism has five times the genetic material of a haploid cell.

Verify the concept: Double-check that the calculation aligns with the definition of pentaploidy and the given haploid number. This step ensures the understanding of polyploidy and chromosome multiplication is correct.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Haploid and Diploid Numbers

The haploid number (n) refers to the number of chromosomes in a gamete, which is half the total number of chromosomes in a diploid organism. In this case, if the haploid number for the plant species is 4, the diploid number (2n) would be 8, representing the total chromosomes in somatic cells.

Polyploidy

Polyploidy is a condition in which an organism has more than two complete sets of chromosomes. Pentaploidy, specifically, means that the organism has five sets of chromosomes. This can occur through processes such as hybridization or errors in cell division, leading to increased genetic variation.

Calculating Chromosome Number in Polyploids

To determine the total number of chromosomes in a polyploid organism, multiply the haploid number by the number of chromosome sets. For a pentaploid organism with a haploid number of 4, the total chromosome count would be 4 (haploid) x 5 (sets) = 20 chromosomes.

Watch next

Master Aberrant Euploid with a bite sized video explanation from Kylia

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question