In humans, how many sex chromosomes are present in a typical gamete (sperm or egg) cell?

• A. 46
• B. 23
• C. 2
• D. 1

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that humans have 46 chromosomes in total, arranged in 23 pairs, including one pair of sex chromosomes.
2. Understand that gametes (sperm and egg cells) are produced through meiosis, a process that reduces the chromosome number by half.
3. Since meiosis halves the chromosome number, each gamete contains 23 chromosomes instead of 46.
4. Among these 23 chromosomes, one is a sex chromosome (either X or Y in sperm, and X in eggs).
5. Therefore, a typical human gamete contains exactly 1 sex chromosome.