How many chromosomes does a person have?

How many chromosomes does a person have?

• A. 23
• B. 50
• C. 46
• D. 44

Answer: (C)

Humans have 46 chromosomes in most of their body cells. These appear as 23 pairs: 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). When a sperm cell and an egg cell combine at fertilization, each contributes 23 chromosomes, giving the new individual a total of 46. The number 23 refers to the chromosomes in gametes, not in typical body cells, which is why 46 is the correct count for a person. The other totals listed don’t match the usual chromosome set for a person.

Humans have 46 chromosomes in most of their body cells. These appear as 23 pairs: 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). When a sperm cell and an egg cell combine at fertilization, each contributes 23 chromosomes, giving the new individual a total of 46. The number 23 refers to the chromosomes in gametes, not in typical body cells, which is why 46 is the correct count for a person. The other totals listed don’t match the usual chromosome set for a person.