In humans, how many chromosomes are typically found in somatic cells?

Delve into the IB Psychology Biological Approach. Practice with multiple choice questions, each offering detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and boost your readiness for the exam!

Multiple Choice

In humans, how many chromosomes are typically found in somatic cells?

Explanation:
Somatic cells in humans are diploid, meaning they carry two complete sets of chromosomes. This gives a total of 46 chromosomes in each somatic cell, arranged as 23 pairs. Among these, there are 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). The gametes, in contrast, are haploid and contain 23 chromosomes. When a sperm and egg fuse during fertilization, they form a zygote with 46 chromosomes, and mitotic cell divisions in the body keep that 46-chromosome count in somatic cells.

Somatic cells in humans are diploid, meaning they carry two complete sets of chromosomes. This gives a total of 46 chromosomes in each somatic cell, arranged as 23 pairs. Among these, there are 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). The gametes, in contrast, are haploid and contain 23 chromosomes. When a sperm and egg fuse during fertilization, they form a zygote with 46 chromosomes, and mitotic cell divisions in the body keep that 46-chromosome count in somatic cells.

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