Two different plant species each carry 36 chromosomes (total) in their somatic cells. Species A is diploid, and species B is triploid. What is the haploid (1N) chromosome number for each species

Species A is diploid, it means 2n=36, the haploid number is 36/2=18. Species B is triploid, it means 3n=36, then the haploid number is 36/3=12.

Explanation:

A chromosome is an ordered bundle of DNA associated with proteins such as histones, and it is found in the nucleus of the cell. Different organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans, for example, have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 22 of them are autosomal pairs, and one pair are sex chromosomes, which indicates the sex of a person. Each parent contributes one chromosome from his or her autosomal pair and one from the sex pair, so that the offspring get half of their chromosomes from their mother and half from their father.

A haploid cell has only one set of chromosomes (n), whereas diploid cells have two sets of chromosomes (2n) and triploid cells have three sets (3n). In the example of humans, a diploid cell is a somatic cell and has 46 chromosomes (or 23 pairs). And a haploid cell, a gamete for example, has 23 chromosomes.

If two species of plants carry 36 chromosomes, and species A is diploid, it means 2n=36. Then the haploid number is 36/2=18. Species B is triploid, it means 3n=36. Then the haploid number is 36/3=12.