Video Transcript
Which of the following correctly
describes the chromosomes contained within a human female somatic cell? (A) 44 autosomes plus XX. (B) 44 autosomes plus XY. (C) 46 autosomes plus XX. (D) 23 autosomes plus XY. (E) 46 autosomes plus XY.
In humans, we have a total of 46
chromosomes or 23 pairs of chromosomes in our somatic or body cells. Our sex cells, or gametes, contain
half this number. We get one copy from our biological
mother and the other from our biological father. Chromosomes are numbered based on
their size. Chromosome one is the largest and
chromosome 22 is the smallest. Chromosome one to 22 are called
autosomes. Chromosome pair number 23 are the
sex chromosomes and determine our biological sex. Biological males have a single copy
of the X and Y chromosome, while biological females have two copies of the X
chromosome.
Since this question is asking about
the chromosomes in a female, we can eliminate answer choices (B), (D), and (E)
because these contain the male sex chromosomes. And since we have 22 pairs of
autosomes, or 44 autosomes in total, we can eliminate answer choice (C). Therefore, a female somatic cell
will contain 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes XX.
So the correct option is answer
choice (A) 44 autosomes plus XX.
