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Multiple Choice
How many chromosomes do human somatic (non-reproductive) cells contain?
A
48
B
46
C
44
D
23
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that human somatic cells are non-reproductive cells, which include all cells except sperm and egg cells.
Recall that chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA and are responsible for carrying genetic information.
Recognize that in humans, somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent.
Each set of chromosomes in humans consists of 23 chromosomes, so a diploid cell contains 2 sets of 23 chromosomes.
Calculate the total number of chromosomes in a human somatic cell by multiplying the number of chromosomes in one set (23) by 2, resulting in 46 chromosomes.