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Multiple Choice
In the life cycle of sexual reproducers, how many chromosomes does a zygote typically have?
A
The same number of chromosomes as each parent cell
B
Twice the number of chromosomes as each parent cell
C
A quarter of the number of chromosomes as the parent cells
D
Half the number of chromosomes as the parent cells
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a zygote: A zygote is the initial cell formed when two gametes (sperm and egg) unite during fertilization in sexual reproduction.
Recall the chromosome number in gametes: Gametes are haploid cells, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes compared to somatic cells. This is due to meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number by half.
Consider the process of fertilization: During fertilization, two haploid gametes combine to form a diploid zygote. This means the zygote has twice the number of chromosomes as each gamete.
Calculate the chromosome number in the zygote: If each parent cell contributes a haploid set of chromosomes, the zygote will have a diploid set, which is twice the number of chromosomes as each parent cell.
Apply this understanding to the problem: The zygote typically has twice the number of chromosomes as each parent cell, confirming the correct answer.