How many chromosomes are in a human gamete?

How many chromosomes are in a human gamete?

• A. 46 chromosomes
• B. 23 chromosomes
• C. 92 chromosomes
• D. 24 chromosomes

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that gametes are haploid, carrying just one chromosome from each pair. In humans, body cells are diploid with 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). Meiosis halves that number to form gametes, so sperm and eggs each have 23 chromosomes. This ensures that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote has the normal 46 chromosomes again. The other numbers don’t fit because they correspond to diploid cells (46), after replication/double counting (92), or an incorrect haploid set (24). The correct concept is that a human gamete has 23 chromosomes.

The main idea is that gametes are haploid, carrying just one chromosome from each pair. In humans, body cells are diploid with 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). Meiosis halves that number to form gametes, so sperm and eggs each have 23 chromosomes. This ensures that when fertilization occurs, the resulting zygote has the normal 46 chromosomes again. The other numbers don’t fit because they correspond to diploid cells (46), after replication/double counting (92), or an incorrect haploid set (24). The correct concept is that a human gamete has 23 chromosomes.