Final answer:
In a human cell, the DNA of each chromosome is double-stranded and linear, with 46 chromosomes found in somatic cells and 23 in gametes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a human cell, the DNA of each chromosome is double-stranded and linear. This is because in humans, as in all eukaryotes, the genome is made up of several double-stranded, linear DNA molecules that are bound with proteins to form structures known as chromosomes.
These chromosomes, found in the cell nucleus, contain the genetic information that is passed down from one generation to the next. Human somatic (body) cells contain 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs, with a diploid configuration (2n).
In contrast, human gametes (sperm or eggs) have a haploid set of chromosomes (n), numbering 23 chromosomes each. Compared to prokaryotes, which typically have a single double-stranded circular chromosome, human DNA is markedly different in structure.