Practice question

Polyploidy is a numerical chromosome variation involving whole genome addition beyond the diploid complement. Euploid changes produce 3n, 4n, 6n sets arising from failure of mitotic or meiotic segregation, polyspermy, or somatic doubling. Unlike aneuploidy where single chromosomes are added or lost, polyploidy duplicates entire sets, often better tolerated in plants than animals due to more flexible development and gene redundancy. Triploids, tetraploids and higher ploids show increased cell size, altered gene dosage, and frequent sterility when odd-numbered ploidies disrupt pairing.