Which term describes cells that contain two sets of chromosomes?

The term that describes cells containing two sets of chromosomes is diploid. In diploid cells, the number of chromosomes is represented as 2n, where "n" is the number of unique chromosomes in a haploid set. For most organisms, diploidy is the standard state for somatic (body) cells, meaning they inherit one set of chromosomes from each parent, resulting in complete pairs. This genetic configuration allows for greater genetic diversity during sexual reproduction, as meiosis, the process that produces gametes, involves the halving of this chromosome number, restoring haploidy in the resultant gametes.

Other terms, like haploid, refer to cells with only one set of chromosomes (n), which is typical for gametes. Polyploid cells have more than two sets of chromosomes, often seen in certain plants and some animal species but not in most human cells. Aneuploid refers to cells that have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can lead to conditions such as Down syndrome. Thus, diploid accurately describes the condition of having two complete sets of chromosomes.