tetraploid

[ te-truh-ploid ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. having a chromosome number that is four times the basic or haploid number.

noun

1. a tetraploid cell or organism.

tetraploid

/ ˈtɛtrəˌplɔɪd /

adjective

1. having four times the haploid number of chromosomes in the nucleus

noun

1. a tetraploid organism, nucleus, or cell

Other Words From

• tetra·ploidy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetraploid¹

First recorded in 1925–30; tetra- + -ploid

Example Sentences

However, sometimes the number of chromosome sets doubles from one generation to the next: one diploid organism suddenly becomes a tetraploid -- i.e. it has four sets of chromosomes.

From Science Daily

Tetraploid rock-cresses have managed to overcome the disadvantage of genome duplication and can establish themselves in independent populations.

From Science Daily

In earlier studies of such tetraploid sand rock-cress populations, the researchers identified genes associated with the plant's fertility for which novel variants had evolved in the tetraploids.

From Science Daily

What's more, in established tetraploid populations of sand rock-cress, the genes in question are often slightly different to the versions found in diploid individuals.

From Science Daily

"In other words, evolution has found a way to minimally vary the two genes in such a way that tetraploid individuals are fertile," Bomblies says.

From Science Daily