Question

In the cell pictured above, how many chromosomes are present during prophase? A) 23 chromosomes B) 46 chromosomes C) 92 chromosomes D) 69 chromosomes

Answer 1

During prophase of mitosis, a somatic human cell contains 46 chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids. The answer to how many chromosomes are present during prophase is B) 46 chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

During prophase of mitosis, each of the 46 chromosomes in a human somatic cell consists of two identical sister chromatids as a result of DNA replication during the S-phase of interphase. Consequently, while there are 46 centromeres present in a cell during prophase, since each chromosome has been replicated into two chromatids, there are actually 92 chromatids in total. However, we still refer to the number of chromosomes, not chromatids when answering this question. Therefore, the correct answer is B) 46 chromosomes, as there are 46 centromeres and each chromosome is made up of two sister chromatids at this stage.

Answer 2

For humans, the diploid number (2n) is 46 chromosomes. Therefore, the correct answer is 46 chromosomes.

Option B is correct

In mitosis, which is a type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells, prophase is an early stage. During prophase of mitosis, the chromatin (a complex of DNA and proteins) condenses into visible structures known as chromosomes. At this point, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids held together by a centromere. The cell is diploid throughout the process of mitosis.

In humans, and many other animals and plants, the diploid number (2n) is 46. This means that each somatic cell, such as a skin cell or muscle cell, has 46 chromosomes. During prophase of mitosis, these chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope.