Yes, human cheek cells are diploid.
Understanding Diploid Cells
A diploid cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes—one set inherited from each parent. This is in contrast to haploid cells, which have only one set of chromosomes. Most human cells, including those in the cheek lining (buccal cells), are diploid. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes in each diploid cell. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Diploid
The fact that human cheek cells are diploid is relevant in various contexts:
- Genetic analysis: Knowing that cheek cells are diploid is crucial when analyzing DNA from a sample, as it indicates the presence of two copies of each gene. https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/many-copies-tas2r38-gene-end-10-20-30-pcr-cycles-assuming-started-dna-50-cheek-cells-remem-q93024046 This is important for PCR analysis and other genetic studies. https://biologicalproceduresonline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1480-9222-13-3
- Cell biology: The diploid nature of cheek cells is fundamental to understanding their function and role in the body. The presence of two sets of chromosomes allows for greater genetic diversity and resilience. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/cell-division
- DNA extraction: When extracting DNA from cheek cells for experiments, understanding their diploid nature helps in interpreting the results. https://www.paulding.k12.ga.us/cms/lib010/GA01903603/Centricity/Domain/540/doublednalab2013studentv.pdf
In contrast to bacteria which have a single chromosome (haploid), human cells, including cheek cells, possess pairs of chromosomes. [There is a single chromosome present in bacteria cells, while the human cheek cells consist of pairs of chromosomes. Hence, the bacterial cell is haploid, yet the human cheek cell is diploid.]
