How many pairs of chromosomes do human somatic cells have?

• A. 22 pairs
• B. 23 pairs
• C. 21 pairs
• D. 24 pairs

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that human somatic cells are any cells forming the body that are not germ cells (sperm or egg cells).
2. Recall that chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA and are responsible for carrying genetic information.
3. Recognize that human somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
4. Identify that humans have a total of 46 chromosomes in somatic cells, which are organized into 23 pairs.
5. Note that out of these 23 pairs, 22 are autosomes and 1 pair is the sex chromosomes, determining the individual's sex.