Question

How many sets of chromosomes are found in a human somatic cell?

Answer 1

Chromosomes:

1. Chromosomes are thread-like structures found in DNA that are tightly packaged within the nucleus.
2. In humans, 46 chromosomes are arranged in 23 pairs which include 22 pairs of chromosomes known as autosomes.
3. Each chromosomal pair consists of one chromosome inherited from the mother and the other from the father.
4. In humans, the male produces gametes that have two types of sex chromosomes i.e. X and Y whereas human females produce gametes of one type of sex chromosome i.e. X.
5. Based on the gamete produced, the male gamete is referred to as heterogametic or heteromorphic whereas the female gamete is referred to as homogametic or homomorphic.