Question

A typical body cell with 23 pairs of chromosomes is called a __________.

a.somatic cell
b.gamete
c.haploid cell
d.sister cell

Answer 1

A typical body cell with 23 pairs of chromosomes is referred to as a somatic cell. Somatic cells contain 46 chromosomes and are diploid, in contrast to haploid gametes that have only 23 chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

A typical body cell with 23 pairs of chromosomes is called a somatic cell. This term refers to any cell in the body that isn't involved in reproduction, which contrasts with gametes (sperm and eggs), the reproductive cells. Somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent, for a total of 46 chromosomes. On the other hand, gametes are haploid and contain only one set of 23 chromosomes.

The statement 'Body cells are called somatic cells and have the same number of chromosomes as reproductive cells' is incorrect. Somatic cells actually have double the number of chromosomes found in gametes. Thus, options b and d that imply somatic cells have the same chromosome number as gametes or refer to somatic cells as gametes are factually wrong. The correct answer to the question is 'a somatic cell' because it reflects the diploid nature of non-reproductive cells in the human body with 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Answer 2

A typical body cell with 23 pairs of chromosomes is called a somatic cell, which is diploid with a total of 46 chromosomes, contrasting with haploid gametes that have 23 unpaired chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

A typical body cell with 23 pairs of chromosomes is called a somatic cell. Somatic cells are the most common type of cells in the body and are involved in forming the tissues and organs. These cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, with one set inherited from each parent. In contrast, reproductive cells, known as gametes (sperm and eggs), are haploid and have only one set of chromosomes.

Gametes have half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells, which is 23 unpaired chromosomes. This distinction is crucial, as it allows for sexual reproduction where the fusion of two gametes results in an organism with a diploid number of chromosomes. Thus, the correct option to complete the statement is a. somatic cells' as somatic cells are not gametes, haploid cells, or sister cells, but are the typical body cells with 46 chromosomes in total (23 pairs).