In humans, meiosis produces haploid gametes. How many chromosomes are present in a mature human egg cell?

• A. 92
• B. 23
• C. 22
• D. 46

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that human somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, totaling 46 chromosomes.
2. Understand that meiosis is the process that reduces the chromosome number by half to produce haploid gametes (sperm and egg cells).
3. Since gametes are haploid, they contain only one set of chromosomes, which is half the diploid number.
4. Calculate the haploid number by dividing the diploid number (46) by 2, using the formula: \(\text{haploid number} = \frac{\text{diploid number}}{2}\).
5. Conclude that a mature human egg cell contains 23 chromosomes, which is the haploid number.