In humans, how many chromosomes does a child inherit in total from both parents?

• A. 23
• B. 44
• C. 22
• D. 46

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that humans have a total of 46 chromosomes in each somatic (body) cell, arranged in 23 pairs.
2. Recognize that one chromosome of each pair is inherited from the mother and the other from the father.
3. Since each parent contributes one chromosome per pair, the child receives 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 chromosomes from the father.
4. Add the chromosomes inherited from both parents to find the total number of chromosomes in the child: \$23 + 23$.
5. Conclude that the total number of chromosomes inherited by the child from both parents is 46.