Which of the following cell types is a clear example of a haploid cell in the human body, containing only one set of chromosomes?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Sperms

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Human cells can be diploid or haploid depending on their function and position in the life cycle. Diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, while haploid cells contain only one set. This question asks you to identify which listed cell type is a clear example of a haploid cell in the human body.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Humans are diploid organisms with 46 chromosomes in most body cells.
  • Haploid cells contain 23 chromosomes in humans.
  • The options include sperms, neurons, red blood cells, and all of the above.
  • We are considering fully differentiated, mature cells under normal conditions.


Concept / Approach:
In humans, the only normal haploid cells are the gametes: sperm cells in males and egg cells in females. These cells are produced by meiosis and contain half the usual chromosome number so that fertilization restores the diploid state. Neurons are specialized diploid cells in the nervous system. Mature red blood cells in humans are actually anucleate, meaning they lack a nucleus and chromosomes entirely. Therefore, among the given options, only sperm cells are clearly haploid.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that haploid cells in humans are gametes produced by meiosis with 23 chromosomes each. Step 2: Recognize that sperms are male gametes and are formed by meiotic divisions in the testes. Step 3: Understand that neurons are somatic cells, derived from mitotic divisions, and retain the full diploid chromosome complement. Step 4: Note that mature human red blood cells eject their nuclei and therefore do not contain chromosomes, so they cannot be described as haploid in the usual sense. Step 5: Conclude that only sperms fit the definition of haploid cells among the listed options.


Verification / Alternative check:
Karyotype analysis of human sperm cells shows 23 chromosomes, representing one complete set. When a sperm fertilizes an egg, the resulting zygote regains 46 chromosomes and becomes diploid. Histology and cell biology references consistently categorize neurons as typical diploid cells with nuclei that contain the standard 46 chromosomes. Red blood cells are known for lacking nuclei at maturity. This evidence confirms that sperm cells are the correct and only haploid example among the choices.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (Neurons): Neurons are somatic cells and are diploid. They contain a full set of chromosomes and do not undergo meiosis to become haploid.
Option C (Red blood cells): Mature human red blood cells lack a nucleus and therefore have no chromosomes. They are neither haploid nor diploid in the usual chromosomal sense.
Option D (All of the above): This would imply that sperms, neurons, and red blood cells are all haploid, which is not correct based on basic human cytogenetics.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse anucleate cells with haploid cells, assuming that no nucleus means fewer chromosomes. In fact, haploid refers specifically to having one set of chromosomes, not zero. Another pitfall is to treat all small or highly specialized cells as gametes. Only gametes that arise from meiosis are haploid, so it is important to distinguish them from regular somatic cell types.


Final Answer:
The clear example of a haploid cell in the human body among the given options is sperms (sperm cells).

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