How many chromosomes are in a haploid human gamete relative to a diploid somatic cell?

• A. The same number
• B. Twice as many
• C. Half as many
• D. One quarter as many

Answer: (C)

In humans, the number of chromosomes in gametes is halved from that in somatic cells because meiosis reduces chromosome count before sexual reproduction. Somatic (body) cells are diploid and carry 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). During meiosis, these homologous pairs are separated, so each gamete ends up with just 23 chromosomes—one from each pair. Therefore, a haploid human gamete has half as many chromosomes as a diploid somatic cell. Fertilization then restores the diploid number by combining two gametes.