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Multiple Choice
How many chromosomes are present in a normal human somatic cell?
A
46
B
69
C
92
D
23
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that a somatic cell is any cell in the body that is not a sperm or egg cell. These cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
Recall that in humans, the diploid number of chromosomes is 46. This includes 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.
Each pair of chromosomes consists of one chromosome inherited from the mother and one from the father, making a total of 23 pairs.
The total number of chromosomes in a normal human somatic cell is calculated by multiplying the number of pairs by 2, which is 23 pairs times 2.
Verify that the total number of chromosomes in a normal human somatic cell is 46, which is the sum of 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.