Which statement accurately defines a haploid cell?

• A. A cell with two complete sets of chromosomes
• B. A cell containing only one complete set of chromosomes
• C. A cell with altered nucleic acid sequence
• D. A cell prepared for fertilization

Answer: (B)

Haploid means having one complete set of chromosomes. In humans, that corresponds to the chromosome complement found in gametes, which are produced by meiosis. When a sperm and egg unite during fertilization, their haploid sets combine to restore a diploid state with two chromosome sets, one from each parent. The other statements don’t define haploid: having two complete sets describes a diploid cell; a cell with an altered nucleic acid sequence points to a mutation rather than the number of chromosome sets; and while a gamete is involved in fertilization, simply being “prepared for fertilization” doesn’t specify the chromosome-set count.