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Multiple Choice
A human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. How many chromosomes are found in a human egg cell?
A
92
B
46
C
69
D
23
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that human somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, totaling 46 chromosomes.
Recognize that human egg cells are gametes, which are haploid cells. Haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes.
Recall that during the process of meiosis, the chromosome number is halved to produce gametes. This ensures that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote has the correct diploid number.
Calculate the number of chromosomes in a human egg cell by dividing the diploid number (46) by 2, which results in the haploid number.
Conclude that a human egg cell contains 23 chromosomes, which is half the number found in somatic cells.