How many chromosomes are there in a normal human somatic cell?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. 46
- Step 1: Normal human somatic cells are diploid (), containing homologous pairs of maternal and paternal chromosomes.
- Step 2: Humans possess pairs of chromosomes: pairs of autosomes and pair of sex chromosomes.
- Step 3: Multiplying the pairs gives a total diploid count of chromosomes in each somatic cell nucleus.
Answer
46.
Why not the others: 48 is the chromosome count in great apes (chimpanzees and gorillas) or individuals with rare tetrasomy syndromes; 23 is the haploid () chromosome count found in human gametes (sperm and egg); 44 is the count of autosomal chromosomes in a somatic cell, excluding the two sex chromosomes.
Practise more Cell biology.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed NEET UG mock tests.
More Cell biology questions
- Which cell organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'?
- Protein synthesis takes place on which cell structure?
- Which organelle contains hydrolytic enzymes and is called the 'suicide bag'?
- Which nitrogenous base is present in RNA but NOT in DNA?
- E. coli grown for many generations in a N medium are transferred to a N medium and allowed to divide for generations. Coun…