Humber Admissions Practice Test

Diploid cells are characterized by having two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. This means that in diploid organisms, such as humans, the somatic cells (which make up most of the organism's body) contain pairs of homologous chromosomes. This is crucial for maintaining the stability of the organism's genetic information across generations and allows for proper functioning during cellular processes, such as mitosis, where these cells divide to produce new cells that are also diploid.

The other types of cells mentioned do not fit the definition of diploid cells. For instance, cells with one set of chromosomes refer to haploid cells, which are typically found in gametes (sperm and eggs) and result from meiosis, a process that leads to genetic variation. Cells that undergo meiosis are specifically designed to produce haploid cells, not diploid ones. Finally, when mentioning reproductive cells, it is essential to note that these are usually haploid in most organisms, such as plants and animals; thus, they do not represent the diploid state.