Question

If a muscle cell of a typical organism has 32 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will be in a gamete of that same organism?

a. 8

b. 16

c. 32

d. 64

Short answer

The correct option is b.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Somatic cells are diploid (2n) while gametes are haploid (n).

Step 2. The explanation for the correct option

Option b is correct because muscle cell is a somatic cell or diploid (2n) while gamete is a haploid (n). During meiosis haploid gametes (sperm or eggs) are formed from the diploid parent’s cell. So, 16 chromosomes will be present in the gametes of that organism.

Step 3. Explanation for the incorrect options

Option a is incorrect because 16 chromosomes will be present in the gametes of that organism instead of 8.

Option c is incorrect because 16 chromosomes will be present in the gametes of that organism instead of 32.

Option d is incorrect because 16 chromosomes will be present in the gametes of that organism instead of 64.