Multiple Choice
In humans, how many chromosomes are present in a typical somatic (body) cell?
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1. Introduction to Genetics
Fundamentals of Genetics
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A human body cell has 46 chromosomes. How many chromosomes does a human egg or sperm cell have?
A
12
B
46
C
23
D
92
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that human body cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. This is why a body cell has 46 chromosomes in total.
Recognize that human egg and sperm cells are gametes, which are haploid cells. Haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes, half the number found in diploid cells.
To find the number of chromosomes in a human egg or sperm cell, divide the total number of chromosomes in a body cell by 2.
Express this mathematically as: $\frac{46}{2}$, where 46 is the number of chromosomes in a diploid body cell.
Calculate the result of the division to find the number of chromosomes in a human egg or sperm cell.
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