In human biology, gametes are the reproductive cells involved in sexual reproduction. These include sperm and eggs, which are collectively known as haploid cells. Haploid cells contain half the number of chromosomes compared to somatic or body cells.
In humans, somatic cells have a total of 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs. Each pair consists of one chromosome inherited from each parent, making the total count 46 (23 pairs).
During the formation of gametes, a special type of cell division called meiosis occurs. Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in gametes containing only one chromosome from each pair. Therefore, each human gamete contains 23 chromosomes.
This is why the correct chromosome number in human gametes is 23.
Option | Description |
---|---|
23 pairs | 46 chromosomes organized as pairs; incorrect for gametes |
46 | Total chromosomes in somatic cells; incorrect for gametes |
23 | Correct number of chromosomes in gametes |
46 pairs | Implies 92 chromosomes; incorrect |