Which statement about human chromosomes is true?

Alberta Grade 9 Science Test: Master your knowledge with our comprehensive practice resources. Featuring engaging flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions with explanations, get ready to succeed!

Multiple Choice

Which statement about human chromosomes is true?

Explanation:
In humans, body (somatic) cells are diploid, meaning they carry two sets of chromosomes—one from each parent. This results in a total of 46 chromosomes, arranged as 23 pairs. Gametes (sperm and egg) are haploid, with 23 chromosomes, so fertilization restores the full 46. So the statement that somatic cells have 46 chromosomes is true. The other ideas aren’t correct: gametes don’t have 46, somatic cells don’t have 92 chromosomes (that would be counting chromatids after replication, not separate chromosomes), and somatic cells don’t have 23 chromosomes.

In humans, body (somatic) cells are diploid, meaning they carry two sets of chromosomes—one from each parent. This results in a total of 46 chromosomes, arranged as 23 pairs. Gametes (sperm and egg) are haploid, with 23 chromosomes, so fertilization restores the full 46. So the statement that somatic cells have 46 chromosomes is true. The other ideas aren’t correct: gametes don’t have 46, somatic cells don’t have 92 chromosomes (that would be counting chromatids after replication, not separate chromosomes), and somatic cells don’t have 23 chromosomes.

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