Question

The human cell contains

• A. 44 chromosomes
• B. 48 chromosomes
• C. 46 chromosomes
• D. 23 chromosomes

Hint:

Remember the difference between a body cell (diploid) and a sperm or egg cell (haploid).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question.
The question asks for the normal chromosome number found in a human body cell.

Step 2: Key Fact.
A human somatic cell, that is, any ordinary body cell other than a sperm or egg cell, is diploid, meaning it carries two complete sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation.
Each parent contributes 23 chromosomes through the sperm or the egg, and when these two haploid sets combine at fertilisation, the resulting cell carries 23 + 23 = 46 chromosomes, arranged as 23 homologous pairs.
Every somatic cell formed afterwards by cell division copies this same number, so it also carries 46 chromosomes.
44 chromosomes would mean one pair is missing, which does not describe a normal human cell.
48 chromosomes is the diploid number seen in some other primates, such as chimpanzees, not in humans.
23 chromosomes is the haploid number found only in the reproductive cells, sperm and egg, before fertilisation, not in a normal body cell.

Step 4: Final Answer.
The human body cell contains 46 chromosomes, so option (C) is correct.