The C-value paradox is the amount, in picograms, of DNA contained within a haploid nucleus (e.g. a gamete) or one-half the amount in a diploid somatic cell of a eukaryotic organism.
In some cases (notably among diploid organisms), the terms C-value and genome size are used interchangeably.
However, in polyploids, the C-value may represent two or more genomes contained within the same nucleus.