What term describes a cell that contains both sets of homologous chromosomes (Humans 2N = 46)?

What term describes a cell that contains both sets of homologous chromosomes (Humans 2N = 46)?

• A. Haploid (N)
• B. Gamete
• C. Somatic cell
• D. Diploid (2N)

Answer: (D)

Having two complete sets of chromosomes describes diploidy. In humans, 2N = 46 means there are 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes, with one member of each pair from each parent. A cell that contains both members of every chromosome pair carries two sets, so it is diploid. Haploid refers to a single set of chromosomes, as found in gametes, which are the sex cells used in fertilization. A somatic cell is a body cell and, in humans, is typically diploid, but the phrase describing having two chromosome sets aligns with diploid most directly. So the term is diploid (2N).

Having two complete sets of chromosomes describes diploidy. In humans, 2N = 46 means there are 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes, with one member of each pair from each parent. A cell that contains both members of every chromosome pair carries two sets, so it is diploid. Haploid refers to a single set of chromosomes, as found in gametes, which are the sex cells used in fertilization. A somatic cell is a body cell and, in humans, is typically diploid, but the phrase describing having two chromosome sets aligns with diploid most directly. So the term is diploid (2N).