Question

What would be the ploidy of the cell of the tetrad?

Answer 1

Hint: A haploid cell has 23 numbers of chromosomes. The ploidy is ‘n’. Meiosis is the process which produces the n ploidy cells. Tetrad is a four celled cell.

Complete answer:
Ploidy is the number of the set of chromosomes. Based on this set of chromosomes present, we have haploid, diploid, tetrad etc. Haploids have one set of chromosomes that is 23 chromosomes. Diploid has 23 pairs of chromosomes, that is, 46 chromosomes.

Meiosis occurs in the diploid cells. The cell divides two times to produce four cells, all having half the original genetic information. On fertilizing with a haploid female gamete, diploidy is restored.

Tetrad is a four nucleated cell. A microspore tetrad is a cluster of male gametes formed by the microsporogenesis. Meiosis1 occurs in the microspore mother cell which produces 2 diploid cells. After the meiosis2 the number of cells becomes four. The ploidy of each cell in a tetrad happens to have a ploidy ‘n’ as they are produced by the meiotic division.

So the answer is: the ploidy of the cell of the tetrad is haploidy.

Note: Meiosis is important to ensure the correct number of chromosomes in an organism. In meiosis 1, the homologous chromosomes separate while in meiosis 2 the sister chromatids divide. Crossing over occurs during meiosis 1 to ensure the exchange of genetic material and the production of a recombinant. Out of the 23 pairs of chromosomes, 22 pairs are autosomal while 2 chromosomes are the sex-determining chromosomes.