Final answer:
Human cells inherit 23 chromosomes from the mother and another 23 from the father, resulting in 23 pairs of chromosomes including both autosomes and sex chromosomes. The division of genetic material is facilitated through meiosis, which ensures each gamete carries only half the usual number of chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In humans, cells inherit 23 chromosomes from the mother and the remaining 23 chromosomes from the father. This adds up to a total of 46 chromosomes in each cell, which are organized into 23 pairs. Each pair of homologous chromosomes includes one chromosome from each parent.
These pairs are composed of chromosomes of similar size, shape, and genetic content, though the alleles they carry might express different traits. This division of chromosomes is the result of sexual reproduction, where a sperm cell from the father and an egg cell from the mother each contribute half the genetic material necessary for the development of a new individual.
The process of meiosis ensures that these gametes contain only half the number of chromosomes found in regular body cells. When fertilization occurs, these two sets of chromosomes combine to form a complete set of genetic information, leading to the proper number of chromosomes in the zygote. In addition to autosomes, there is also a pair of sex chromosomes, which determine the sexual phenotype of the individual.