The human cell contains

The correct answer is 46 chromosomes.

Key Points

• A normal human somatic (body) cell contains 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs, including 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes.
• The sex chromosomes determine an individual’s biological sex: females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
• Human chromosomes are located in the nucleus of each cell and are composed of DNA tightly coiled around histone proteins.
• Chromosomes carry genetic information essential for growth, development, and functioning of the human body.
• During reproduction, each parent contributes 23 chromosomes, resulting in a zygote with a total of 46 chromosomes.

Additional Information

• Autosomes and Sex Chromosomes:
  • Autosomes are the non-sex chromosomes that carry most of the genetic material.
  • The sex chromosomes (X and Y) determine the biological sex and carry genes linked to sex-specific traits.
• Chromosomal Disorders:
  • Chromosomal abnormalities can occur due to extra or missing chromosomes, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) or Turner syndrome (monosomy X).
• Karyotyping:
  • Karyotyping is a laboratory technique used to visualize an individual’s chromosome set to detect abnormalities.
• Cell Division:
  • Chromosomes are duplicated during mitosis (for somatic cells) and meiosis (for gametes) to ensure proper genetic inheritance.
• Human Genome:
  • The human genome consists of approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs spread across 46 chromosomes.