What is the number of chromosomes present in human gametes?

Options

A. 21
B. 23
C. 44
D. 46

Answer

To determine the number of chromosomes present in human gametes, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Chromosome Number in Humans**: Humans have a total of 46 chromosomes in their somatic (body) cells. This is referred to as the diploid number, denoted as 2N.

2. **Define Gametes**: Gametes are the reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that fuse during fertilization. They are crucial for sexual reproduction.

3. **Determine the Ploidy of Gametes**: Gametes are haploid cells, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes compared to somatic cells. The haploid number is denoted as N.

4. **Calculate the Number of Chromosomes in Gametes**: Since the diploid number (2N) is 46, we can find the haploid number (N) by dividing the diploid number by 2:
\[ N = \frac{2N}{2} = \frac{46}{2} = 23 \]

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the number of chromosomes present in human gametes is 23.

### Final Answer:
The number of chromosomes present in human gametes is **23**.

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