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Multiple Choice
During prophase I of meiosis in a human cell, how many replicated chromosomes are present?
A
23
B
12
C
46
D
92
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that a human somatic cell has 46 chromosomes in total, arranged in 23 pairs.
Understand that before meiosis begins, during the S phase of interphase, each chromosome is replicated, resulting in two sister chromatids per chromosome.
During prophase I of meiosis, chromosomes are still in their replicated form, meaning each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids.
Since the original diploid number is 46 chromosomes, and each is replicated, the total number of replicated chromosomes (each with two chromatids) remains 46, but the total number of chromatids is 92.
Therefore, the number of replicated chromosomes present during prophase I is equal to the diploid number, which is 46.