Human somatic cells contain __________ set(s) of chromosomes and are therefore termed __________.

• A. four; tetraploid
• B. two; diploid
• C. three; triploid
• D. one; haploid

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the terminology: 'somatic cells' are all the body cells except the reproductive cells (gametes).
2. Recall that humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, meaning each somatic cell contains two sets of chromosomes.
3. Define 'diploid': a cell with two complete sets of chromosomes (2n), one from each parent.
4. Define 'haploid': a cell with one set of chromosomes (n), typical of gametes like sperm and egg cells.
5. Conclude that since human somatic cells have two sets of chromosomes, they are termed diploid.