Which of the following correctly describes the genetic makeup of a haploid set and a diploid set in a eukaryotic cell?

• A. A haploid set contains two complete sets of chromosomes (2n), while a diploid set contains one complete set (n).
• B. Both haploid and diploid sets contain the same number of chromosomes.
• C. A haploid set contains one complete set of chromosomes (n), while a diploid set contains two complete sets (2n).
• D. A haploid set contains half the number of genes as a diploid set, but the same number of chromosomes.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of haploid and diploid in the context of eukaryotic cells: a haploid set (n) contains one complete set of chromosomes, while a diploid set (2n) contains two complete sets of chromosomes.
2. Recall that chromosomes come in pairs in diploid cells, meaning each chromosome has a homologous partner, whereas haploid cells have only one chromosome from each pair.
3. Recognize that the number of chromosomes in a haploid set is exactly half the number found in a diploid set, so the chromosome count differs between haploid and diploid cells.
4. Note that the number of genes is generally proportional to the number of chromosomes, so a haploid set has half the number of genes compared to a diploid set, not the same number.
5. Use this understanding to evaluate each statement and identify the one that correctly describes the genetic makeup of haploid and diploid sets.