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Multiple Choice
How many chromosomes are present in a human zygote?
A
46
B
44
C
48
D
23
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that a human zygote is formed by the fusion of two gametes: one sperm and one egg.
Each gamete (sperm or egg) contains half the number of chromosomes found in a typical body cell, which is called the haploid number (n). For humans, this number is 23.
When the sperm and egg fuse during fertilization, their chromosomes combine to restore the full set of chromosomes, called the diploid number (2n).
Calculate the total number of chromosomes in the zygote by adding the haploid numbers from each gamete: $2n = n + n = 23 + 23$.
Therefore, the human zygote contains 46 chromosomes, which is the diploid number for humans.