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Multiple Choice
If a human somatic cell is in metaphase, it has how many chromatids?
A
92 chromatids
B
46 chromatids
C
23 chromatids
D
184 chromatids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that a human somatic cell is diploid and contains 46 chromosomes in total (23 pairs).
Understand that during metaphase of mitosis, each chromosome has already been replicated, so each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids.
Calculate the total number of chromatids by multiplying the number of chromosomes by 2, since each chromosome has 2 chromatids at metaphase.
Express this calculation as: $\text{Number of chromatids} = 46 \times 2$.
Conclude that the total number of chromatids in a human somatic cell at metaphase is twice the number of chromosomes, which leads to the correct answer.