Onion root tip cells contain 16 chromosomes in each cell.
Chromosome Number in Onion Root Tip Cells
The number of chromosomes in a cell is a fundamental characteristic of a species. For onion (Allium cepa), the diploid (2n) number is 16. This means that somatic cells, such as those found in the root tip, have two sets of 8 chromosomes, totaling 16. During mitosis, the chromosomes become visible, allowing for accurate counting.
| Cell Type | Chromosome Number (2n) |
|---|---|
| Onion Root Tip | 16 |
Understanding the chromosome number is important for:
- Genetic studies: Chromosome number helps in understanding genetic inheritance and variations.
- Cell division analysis: Studying chromosomes during mitosis in onion root tip cells is a common educational tool.
- Species identification: Chromosome number is a defining characteristic of a species.
