diploid – a cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes

(Pronounced dip-loyd)

To remember the meaning of diploid, use the following mnemonic:

The trainer deployed (diploid) two sets of chrome (two sets of chromosomes) dumbbells for us to work with.

Diploid refers to a cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. Most cells in the human body, such as skin cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells, are diploid and contain 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). This is in contrast to haploid cells, like sperm and egg cells, which contain only one set of chromosomes. Diploid cells are produced through mitosis, a type of cell division that creates identical copies and are important for maintaining genetic diversity by mixing genetic material from both parents.