Definition: The condition in which the cell contains two sets of chromosomes. Normal state of somatic cells in man where the diploid number (2N) is 46.
Context: The Drosophila larva is composed primarily of large polyploid (polytene) cells, which do not divide but increase in size and ploidy during larval development. Most of the larval polytene cells are destroyed during morphogenesis. Also present in the larva are groups of rapidly dividing diploid cells, many in discrete structures called imaginal discs, which will give rise to the structures of the adult fly.
Definition: PIERCE, B.J. (2010). Genética, un enfoque conceptual. Madrid: Editorial médica panamericana; DELGADO ECHEVARRIA, Isabel (2007). Estudios sobre la ciencia. El descubrimiento de los cromosomas sexuales. Madrid: CSIC.
Context: OLIVA, R., BALLESTA, F., ORIOLA, J. y CLÀRIA, J. (2004). Genética médica. Barcelona: Publicacions i edicions Universidad de Barcelona.