No, a sperm cell is not diploid.
Understanding Diploid and Haploid
- Diploid: A diploid cell contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. Most cells in the human body are diploid (e.g., skin cells, muscle cells).
- Haploid: A haploid cell contains only one set of chromosomes. In humans, only the gametes—sperm and egg cells—are haploid. When a sperm (haploid) fertilizes an egg (haploid), the resulting zygote is diploid.
The provided references confirm that human sperm cells are haploid, possessing a single set of chromosomes, unlike diploid cells which have two sets. While instances of diploid sperm exist (as mentioned in some references regarding infertility and triploidy), these are exceptions rather than the rule. A typical, healthy sperm cell is haploid.
Several references highlight the occurrence of diploid sperm in certain contexts:
- Infertility: Studies show a higher percentage of diploid sperm in men with fertility problems. (e.g., "Diploid sperm occur at approximately 0.2% in healthy men and a higher levels of 1–2% in men with fertility problems")
- Triploidy: Diploid sperm can contribute to triploidy (three sets of chromosomes), a common cause of spontaneous abortion. (e.g., "Diploid sperm and the origin of triploidy")
- Research: Studies utilize diploid sperm in research settings, such as inducing interspecific androgenesis. (e.g., "Induced interspecific androgenesis using diploid sperm")
However, it is crucial to understand that while diploid sperm can occur, a typical, healthy sperm cell is haploid.
