Are there 46 chromosomes in each cell?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the number of chromosomes present in human cells. It seeks to confirm whether the standard number of chromosomes in human somatic cells is 46.
Answer
46 chromosomes
Each cell in the human body typically contains 46 chromosomes, which are organized into 23 pairs.
Answer for screen readers
Each cell in the human body typically contains 46 chromosomes, which are organized into 23 pairs.
More Information
Humans have 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. Exceptions include sex cells, which contain 23 individual chromosomes, and red blood cells, which do not contain chromosomes.
Tips
A common misconception is that all cells have 46 chromosomes; however, sex cells (sperm and egg cells) contain only 23 chromosomes each.
Sources
- Chromosome - National Human Genome Research Institute - genome.gov
- How many chromosomes do people have? - Genetics - MedlinePlus - medlineplus.gov
- What are Chromosomes? - Stanford Medicine Children's Health - stanfordchildrens.org
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