The number of sets of chromosomes in a dikaryotic cell

Options

A. is greater than diploid cell
B. is lesser than diploid cell
C. is equal to diploid cell
D. none of these

Answer

To determine the number of sets of chromosomes in a dikaryotic cell, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Dikaryotic Cells**:
- A dikaryotic cell is a type of cell that contains two distinct nuclei within a single cell. This condition is commonly found in certain fungi, particularly during their sexual reproduction phase.

2. **Formation of Dikaryotic Cells**:
- Dikaryotic cells are formed when two compatible haploid cells (each with a single set of chromosomes, denoted as 'N') fuse. This fusion results in a cell that has two nuclei, each containing 'N' chromosomes.

3. **Counting the Sets of Chromosomes**:
- In a dikaryotic cell, since there are two nuclei, each with 'N' chromosomes, the total number of sets of chromosomes is 'N + N', which can be simplified to 2N. However, it is important to note that these nuclei are separate and have not yet undergone karyogamy (fusion of nuclei).

4. **Comparison with Diploid Cells**:
- A diploid cell is defined as having two sets of chromosomes, which is represented as '2N'. In the case of a dikaryotic cell, although it has two nuclei, it is still considered to have a chromosome number equivalent to that of a diploid cell because it has two sets of chromosomes, albeit in separate nuclei.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the number of sets of chromosomes in a dikaryotic cell is equal to that of a diploid cell. The correct answer is that the number of sets of chromosomes in a dikaryotic cell is equal to diploid (option 3).

### Final Answer:
The number of sets of chromosomes in a dikaryotic cell is equal to diploid (2 sets).

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