Question

Human diploid cells have _____ chromosomes while human gametes have ________ chromosomes.

a) 46; 23
b) 23; 46
c) 48; 24
d) 24; 48

Answer 1

Human diploid cells (somatic) have 46 chromosomes, and gametes (reproductive cells) have 23 chromosomes. The correct pairing is (a) 46; 23.

Step-by-step explanation:

Human Chromosome Numbers in Diploid and Haploid Cells

Human diploid cells have 46 chromosomes, which is the total amount found in body cells, also known as somatic cells. These cells possess two sets of chromosomes, with one set inherited from each parent, leading to 23 pairs of chromosomes. Somatic cells include all body cells, excluding reproductive gametes. Contrarily, human gametes have 23 chromosomes, which is half the number found in diploid cells. Gametes are reproductive cells, namely sperm and eggs, which are designated as haploid (1n). This implies that, for human somatic and reproductive cells, the correct answer is (a) 46; 23.