Q
QuestionBiology

"Normal human gametes carry _____ chromosomes." A. 23 B. 46 pairs of C. 23 pairs of D. 5 E. 46"
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step:

Step 2:
: Understand the key terminology

- Gametes are reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) - Chromosomes are structures that carry genetic information - Humans have a specific number of chromosomes in their reproductive cells

Step 3:
: Recall human chromosome basics

- In human body (somatic) cells, there are 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) - In reproductive cells (gametes), the number is halved to ensure correct chromosome count when fertilization occurs

Step 4:
: Determine the number of chromosomes in gametes

- Each gamete (sperm or egg) contains $$23$$ chromosomes
- This is exactly half the number of chromosomes in a normal body cell

Step 5:
: Analyze the given options

- Option A: $$23$$ chromosomes ✓
- Option B: 46 pairs of (incorrect) - Option C: 23 pairs of (incorrect) - Option D: 5 (incorrect) - Option E: 46 (incorrect)

Final Answer

Key Insight: During meiosis, the process of gamete formation, the chromosome count is reduced from 46 to 23, ensuring that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote will have the standard 46 chromosomes.