The human Y chromosome contains significantly fewer genes compared to other chromosomes. Modern genomic research provides the following insights:
\begin{itemize}
\item The complete human genome contains approximately 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes.
\item The Y chromosome is one of the smallest chromosomes, containing only about 200-300 genes.
\item Earlier estimates suggested higher numbers, but improved sequencing technologies have refined this count.
\end{itemize}
Evaluating the options:
\begin{itemize}
\item Options (1) 2968 and (2) 2698 are far too high - these numbers exceed even the gene count of much larger chromosomes.
\item Option (3) 231 matches current scientific consensus from recent genome studies.
\item Option (4) 239 is close but slightly higher than the most widely accepted estimates.
\end{itemize}
The most accurate answer is:
\boxed{3}