Are somatic cells haploid or diploid?

Somatic cells are diploid, which means they contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent. In humans and many other organisms, this results in a total of 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). These cells constitute the majority of the body's tissues and organs, as opposed to gametes, which are haploid (having only one set of chromosomes) and are involved in reproduction.

The diploid nature of somatic cells allows them to undergo mitosis, a process of cellular division that maintains the chromosome number in daughter cells. This is crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair. In contrast, haploid cells, like sperm and eggs, undergo meiosis to reduce chromosome numbers in preparation for fertilization.

Thus, the identification of somatic cells as diploid reflects their role in maintaining genetic stability across cellular divisions necessary for an organism's structure and function.