What is the full complement of paired chromosomes in a somatic cell, with humans having 46 in total?

What is the full complement of paired chromosomes in a somatic cell, with humans having 46 in total?

• A. Haploid number
• B. Genome
• C. Diploid number
• D. Chromosome set

Answer: (C)

Two complete sets of chromosomes in somatic cells is what defines the diploid state. In humans, that means 46 chromosomes total, arranged as 23 pairs. The haploid number is the single set found in gametes (23 in humans), not the paired somatic complement. The genome refers to all genetic material, not specifically the count of paired chromosomes, and a chromosome set is a general term for the collection of chromosomes. So the term that best matches the idea of the full paired complement in a somatic human cell is the diploid number.

Two complete sets of chromosomes in somatic cells is what defines the diploid state. In humans, that means 46 chromosomes total, arranged as 23 pairs. The haploid number is the single set found in gametes (23 in humans), not the paired somatic complement. The genome refers to all genetic material, not specifically the count of paired chromosomes, and a chromosome set is a general term for the collection of chromosomes. So the term that best matches the idea of the full paired complement in a somatic human cell is the diploid number.