During process of gametogenesis the female and male sex cells divide and then contain
A. A diploid number of chromosomes in their nuclei
B. A haploid number of chromosomes in their nuclei
C. 24 pairs of autosomes in their nuclei
D. 46 pairs of chromosomes in their nuclei
Correct Answer: B. A haploid number of chromosomes in their nuclei
Explanation
During the process of gametogenesis, the female and male sex cells (ovum and sperm) undergo meiosis, a special type of cell division.
After meiosis, the resulting sex cells (gametes) contain:
Half the number of chromosomes (haploid, n)
- Normal body (somatic) cells contain the diploid number of chromosomes (2n).
- Gametes contain the haploid number of chromosomes (n) — half of the diploid number.
Human example
- Somatic cells = 46 chromosomes (2n)
- Gametes (sperm or ovum) = 23 chromosomes (n)
Why half?
So that when fertilization occurs:23 chromosomes (sperm) + 23 chromosomes (ovum) = 46 chromosomes (zygote)
Restoring the diploid number in the new individual.
Final Answer
During gametogenesis, the female and male sex cells divide and then contain half the number of chromosomes (haploid set, n).
Other Options Details
Here is the description of all the options:
A. A diploid number of chromosomes in their nuclei
- Diploid (2n) means that the cell contains two sets of chromosomes, one set inherited from the mother and one from the father.
- In humans, diploid cells have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
- All somatic (body) cells are diploid such as skin cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells.
B. A haploid number of chromosomes in their nuclei
- Haploid (n) means that the cell contains only one set of chromosomes.
- In humans, haploid cells have 23 chromosomes (not paired).
- Gametes (sex cells) such as sperm and ovum (egg) are haploid.
- This ensures that when fertilization occurs, the diploid number is restored (23 + 23 = 46).
C. 24 pairs of autosomes in their nuclei
- Autosomes are chromosomes that do not determine sex.
- Humans actually have 22 pairs of autosomes, not 24.
- Therefore, 24 pairs of autosomes is incorrect for humans.
- If a cell had 24 pairs of autosomes, total chromosomes would be more than normal.
D. 46 pairs of chromosomes in their nuclei
- This statement means 92 total chromosomes (since 46 pairs would mean 46 × 2 = 92).
- Humans normally have 46 chromosomes total (23 pairs), not 46 pairs.
- Therefore, this option is incorrect for humans.
Summary
Option Meaning Correct for humans? A Diploid cells (46 chromosomes) ✔ Yes (somatic cells) B Haploid cells (23 chromosomes) ✔ Yes (gametes) C 24 pairs of autosomes ✘ Incorrect (humans have 22) D 46 pairs of chromosomes ✘ Incorrect (humans have 23 pairs)
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group