allopolyploidy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌæl.əˈpɒl.ɪ.plɔɪ.di/

KK: /æləˈpɒlɪplaɪdi/

noun

Definition

A type of genetic change where an organism has more than the usual number of chromosomes due to the mixing of genes from different species.

Example

Allopolyploidy can lead to the formation of new species through hybridization.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of allopolyploidy?

No, what's that about?

It's when different species interbreed and end up with more chromosomes than usual.

That sounds really interesting! I never knew that could happen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

hybridization

polyploidy

crossbreeding

Antonyms

diploidy

haploidy

monoploidy

Root Explanation

Allopolyploidy is formed from "allo-" (meaning other or different) and "polyploidy" (from "poly-" meaning many and "ploidy" from Greek "ploides" meaning fold). The term describes a condition in which an organism has more than two sets of chromosomes derived from different species.

Memory Tip

Think of 'allo-' meaning 'other' and 'polyploidy' referring to 'many folds' of chromosomes — this helps you remember that allopolyploidy involves having multiple sets of chromosomes from different species.

Visually Confused Words