Lesson eLearning

A diploid human cell has 46 chromosomes. After two rounds of meiotic division, how many chromosomes does each of the final four gametes contain?

medium 2 marks Class 11 · Biology · Cell Cycle and Cell Division
Answer
23

The correct answer is 23 — This is the haploid chromosome number of humans.

Step-by-step solution

  1. A diploid cell has 46 chromosomes.
  2. Meiosis I produces two haploid cells each with 23 chromosomes.
  3. Meiosis II splits each of those cells into two, giving four cells.
  4. All four final gametes therefore contain 23 chromosomes each.
  5. This is the haploid chromosome number of humans.
Common mistake: Assuming gametes keep 46 chromosomes

Concept tested: Chromosome number after meiosis

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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