In humans, how many total chromosomes are present in somatic cells?

In humans, how many total chromosomes are present in somatic cells?

• A. 23 pairs
• B. 23
• C. 46
• D. 22 pairs

Answer: (C)

Somatic cells in humans are diploid, meaning they contain two complete sets of chromosomes—one from each parent. Counting every chromosome individually gives a total of 46, arranged as 23 pairs. Among these pairs are 22 autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes, which can be XX or XY, but they still add up to 46 chromosomes in each somatic cell. This contrasts with gametes (sperm and egg), which are haploid and carry 23 chromosomes, so fertilization restores the full 46. Therefore, the total number of chromosomes in somatic human cells is 46.

Somatic cells in humans are diploid, meaning they contain two complete sets of chromosomes—one from each parent. Counting every chromosome individually gives a total of 46, arranged as 23 pairs. Among these pairs are 22 autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes, which can be XX or XY, but they still add up to 46 chromosomes in each somatic cell. This contrasts with gametes (sperm and egg), which are haploid and carry 23 chromosomes, so fertilization restores the full 46. Therefore, the total number of chromosomes in somatic human cells is 46.