Final answer:
Somatic cells have 46 chromosomes with both members of each homologous pair. This ensures that each cell receives the proper amount of DNA during cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
In somatic cells, there must be 46 chromosomes and both members of each homologous pair. Somatic cells are the cells that make up our body tissues. They are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from each parent. Each chromosome in one set is matched by a chromosome of the same type in the other set, forming homologous pairs. The presence of both members of each homologous pair ensures that each somatic cell receives the proper amount of DNA during cell division.