Select the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the questions, write the correct answer only.)
A male gorilla has 48 chromosomes in each of its body cells. How many chromosomes will each of the sperms have?
Topic: Haploid number in gametes
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Answer
(a) 24.
24 — exactly HALF of 48.
A body (somatic) cell is DIPLOID (2n) and a gamete is HAPLOID (n). Gametes are formed by MEIOSIS, which halves the chromosome number, so that when sperm and ovum fuse the zygote is restored to the full diploid number.
If gametes were not halved, the number would double every generation — which is why meiosis is called reduction division.
THE METHOD: whatever number the question gives for a body cell, divide it by two for a gamete. The species is irrelevant; a gorilla, a human or an onion works the same way. Humans have 46 in body cells and 23 in gametes.
The word "male" and "sperms" in the question is a distraction — an ovum would carry 24 as well.
24.