How many chromosomes are typically found in a normal human somatic cell?

• A. 23
• B. 48
• C. 44
• D. 46

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that human somatic cells are all the body cells except the gametes (sperm and egg cells).
2. Recall that humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, where each pair consists of one chromosome from the mother and one from the father.
3. Calculate the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell by multiplying the number of pairs by 2: \(23 \times 2\).
4. Recognize that this total represents the diploid number of chromosomes in a normal human somatic cell.
5. Conclude that the typical chromosome number in a normal human somatic cell is the product from step 3, which is 46.