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Multiple Choice
How many chromosomes are there in human gametes?
A
23
B
46
C
44
D
22
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that human cells are typically diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. This totals to 46 chromosomes in somatic cells.
Recognize that gametes (sperm and egg cells) are haploid, meaning they contain only one set of chromosomes. This is because gametes are produced through meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number by half.
Recall that the purpose of meiosis is to ensure that when two gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct diploid number of chromosomes.
Identify that the haploid number of chromosomes in human gametes is 23. This includes 22 autosomes and 1 sex chromosome.
Conclude that human gametes contain 23 chromosomes, which is half the number found in somatic cells.