Question

A somatic cell that has just completed the S phase of its cell cycle, as compared to gamete of the same species has?

• A. Twice the number of chromosomes and four times the amount of DNA
• B. Four times the number of chromosomes and twice the amount of DNA
• C. Twice the number of chromosomes and twice the amount DNA
• D. Same number of chromosomes but twice the amount DNA

Answer 1

The correct option is D Same number of chromosomes but twice the amount DNA

• The somatic cells are diploid and undergo mitosis to form two cells with the same amount of genetic material. In the S-phase, the amount of DNA replicates to produce two copies which can be distributed among the two daughter cells.
• The amount of DNA and the number of chromatids gets doubled but the number of chromosomes remains same. So, the cell after the S-phase will have the same number of chromosomes but twice the amount DNA.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.