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Multiple Choice
How many chromosomes does a typical human have in each somatic cell?
A
23
B
48
C
44
D
46
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that somatic cells are any cells forming the body of an organism, excluding reproductive cells.
Recognize that humans are diploid organisms, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
Each set of chromosomes in humans consists of 23 chromosomes, including 22 autosomes and 1 sex chromosome.
Calculate the total number of chromosomes in a typical human somatic cell by multiplying the number of chromosomes in one set by two: 23 chromosomes/set × 2 sets.
Conclude that a typical human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes.