Humans and many other complex organisms are diploid, possessing two sets of genes, one inherited from the mother and one from the father. However, a number of eukaryotic organisms spend most of their life cycles in a haploid state. Many of these eukaryotes, such as Neurospora and yeast, still undergo meiosis and sexual reproduction, but most of the cells that make up the organism are haploid. Considering that haploid organisms are fully capable of sexual reproduction and generating genetic variation, why are most complex eukaryotes diploid? In other words, what might be the evolutionary advantage of existing in a diploid state instead of a haploid state? And why might a few organisms, such as Neurospora and yeast, exist as haploids?
Structure and Composition of Cell Membrane
Despite differences in structure and function, all living cells in multicellular organisms are surrounded by a cell membrane. Just like the outer layer of the skin separates the body from its environment similarly, the cell membrane, also known as 'plasma membrane,' separates the inner content from its exterior environment.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is known by different names like plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane, or biological membrane. The term "cell membrane" was first introduced by C. Nageli and C. Cramer in the year 1855. Later on, in 1931, the term "plasmalemma" for cell membrane was given by J. Plowe. The cell membrane separates the cell's internal environment from the extracellular space. This separation allows the protection of cells from their environment.
Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
The cell is defined as the basic structural and functional unit of life. The cell membrane bounds it. It is capable of independent existence.
Humans and many other complex organisms are diploid, possessing two
sets of genes, one inherited from the mother and one from the father.
However, a number of eukaryotic organisms spend most of their life
cycles in a haploid state. Many of these eukaryotes, such as Neurospora
and yeast, still undergo meiosis and sexual reproduction, but most of the
cells that make up the organism are haploid.
Considering that haploid organisms are fully capable of sexual
reproduction and generating
eukaryotes diploid? In other words, what might be the evolutionary
advantage of existing in a diploid state instead of a haploid state? And
why might a few organisms, such as Neurospora and yeast, exist as
haploids?
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