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Multiple Choice
How many chromosomes are present in human gametes?
A
22
B
24
C
46
D
23
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that human cells are typically diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, for a total of 46 chromosomes.
Recognize that gametes (sperm and egg cells) are haploid, meaning they contain only one set of chromosomes.
Recall that during meiosis, the process that forms gametes, the chromosome number is halved to ensure that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote has the correct diploid number.
Calculate the number of chromosomes in human gametes by dividing the total number of chromosomes in a diploid cell (46) by 2.
Conclude that human gametes contain 23 chromosomes, which is half the number of chromosomes found in somatic (body) cells.