Yes, a fetus is diploid.
Based on the provided reference, embryos, and by extension, fetuses, possess two sets of chromosomes. Specifically, as seen in Figure 3B, embryos have two sets of chromosome 18 and chromosome X. This characteristic defines a diploid organism, where each cell contains two sets of chromosomes—one from each parent.
Understanding Diploidy
- Diploid Definition: A diploid cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes, typically one from each parent. This is in contrast to haploid cells, like sperm and egg cells, which have only one set of chromosomes.
- Human Chromosomes: In humans, a diploid cell has 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs.
- Importance of Diploidy: Maintaining diploidy is vital for proper development, ensuring that each cell has the necessary genetic information to function correctly.
Evidence from Reference
The reference explicitly states that the embryos in Figure 3B are diploid because they have two sets of chromosomes. This observation directly supports that fetuses, developing from these embryos, are also diploid.
Summary
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Diploid | Having two sets of chromosomes in each cell. |
| Reference Finding | Figure 3B shows embryos with two sets of chromosomes. |
| Conclusion | Fetuses, developing from these diploid embryos, are also diploid. |
