Amphidiploid is a term that is used to describe a type of organism that has two sets of chromosomes from each parent. This means that the organism has a total of four sets of chromosomes, which is twice the normal amount for that species. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of amphidiploid, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Amphidiploid is a term that is used in genetics to describe an organism that has two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. This results in the organism having a total of four sets of chromosomes. This type of organism is also known as a tetraploid.
Origin
The term amphidiploid was first used in the early 20th century by geneticists studying the inheritance of traits in plants. They discovered that some plants had twice the number of chromosomes as their parents, and they called these plants amphidiploid.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of amphidiploid in different dictionaries is consistent with its definition in genetics. It is described as an organism that has two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
Associations
Amphidiploid organisms are often associated with increased vigor and fertility. This is because having four sets of chromosomes can provide a greater genetic diversity, which can lead to better adaptation to changing environments.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for amphidiploid include tetraploid, polyploid, and allotetraploid.
Antonyms
The antonym of amphidiploid is haploid, which describes an organism that has only one set of chromosomes.
The same root words
The root words of amphidiploid are “amphi,” which means “both,” and “diploid,” which means “having two sets of chromosomes.” Other words that contain the root word “amphi” include amphibian, amphitheater, and amphora.
Example Sentences
- The wheat plant was found to be amphidiploid, which made it more resistant to disease.
- The geneticist discovered that the frog was tetraploid, which explained its unusual characteristics.
- The polyploid apple tree produced larger and more flavorful fruit than its diploid counterparts.