The number of chromosomes present in the gametes of a housefly is six. How many chromosomes are present in the meiocytes of a housefly?

Options

A. 6
B. 12
C. 24
D. 46

Answer

To determine the number of chromosomes present in the meiocytes of a housefly, we can follow these steps:

**Step 1: Understand the relationship between gametes and meiocytes.**
- Gametes are the reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that are haploid, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes of the organism.
- Meiocytes are diploid cells that undergo meiosis to produce gametes.

**Step 2: Identify the number of chromosomes in the gametes.**
- The question states that the number of chromosomes in the gametes of a housefly is 6.

**Step 3: Determine the diploid number of chromosomes.**
- Since gametes are haploid (n), and we know that the number of chromosomes in the gametes is 6 (n = 6), we can find the diploid number (2n) by multiplying the haploid number by 2.
- Therefore, the diploid number of chromosomes in the meiocytes is calculated as follows:
\[ 2n = 2 \times 6 = 12 \]

**Step 4: Conclusion.**
- The number of chromosomes present in the meiocytes of a housefly is 12.

### Final Answer:
The number of chromosomes present in the meiocytes of a housefly is **12**.

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