Gametes, the reproductive cells (sperm and egg), possess half the chromosome number found in other body cells.
How to explain
This halved number is essential during fertilization when the sperm (containing half the chromosomes) combines with the egg (also containing half), resulting in the formation of a new cell with the complete set of chromosomes.
This process ensures genetic stability, maintaining the species' chromosome count. The union of these two half-sets, each contributing their genetic information, restores the full chromosome complement in the resulting zygote, kickstarting the developmental process of the new organism with the necessary complete genetic instructions for growth and functioning.
Complete Question:
How many chromosomes must gametes contain so that, upon combining during fertilization, they produce a new cell with how many chromosomes?