Question

How many copies of chromosomes do gametes have?

Option 1: Two
Option 2: Four
Option 3: One
Option 4: Eight

Answer 1

Gametes are haploid cells with only one set of chromosomes, half the number of a diploid body cell, ensuring the restoration of diploid number when two gametes combine during fertilization.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gamete Chromosome Number

Gametes have one copy of each chromosome, making them haploid. In a typical diploid organism, body cells contain two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. However, during the process of meiosis, the chromosome number is halved, resulting in gametes that contain just one set of chromosomes.

For instance, if a human muscle cell contains 32 chromosomes, which is the diploid number (2n), then a human gamete will contain 16 chromosomes, representing the haploid number (n). This reduction is essential so that upon fertilization, when two gametes merge, they restore the diploid chromosome number in the resultant zygote. However, gametes only have one copy of each chromosome. Therefore, the correct answer is