13-1TYU - Campbell Biology

Question

A human cell containing 22 autosomes and a Y chromosome is 

1. sperm
2. an egg
3. zygote
4. a somatic cell of a male

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

 

1. The option “sperm” is true.
2. The option “an egg” is false.
3. The option“zygote” is false.
4. The option “a somatic cell of a male” is false.

Step 1: Description of autosomes and chromosomes

The normal chromosomes found in the cells are known as autosomes. The chromosomes that determine sex are known as sex chromosomes. 

Step 2: Explanation of option (A)

Twenty-two autosomes and Y chromosomes are present in the sperm. The sperm is the male gamete that fuses with the female ovum and donates the Y chromosome to the offspring.

 

The sperm is the gamete that contains the Y chromosomes. 

Therefore, the given option is true.

Step 3: Explanation of option (B)

The egg is the female gamete that gets fused by the sperm. Female gamete possesses the X sex chromosome in it.

 

The egg does not contain the Y chromosome.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Step 4: Explanation of option (C)

A zygote is the fusion product of the male and female gamete after fertilization. The zygote contains23 chromosomes which can have either male or female gamete combinations in it.

 

The zygote does not contain the Y chromosome alone.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Step 5: Explanation of option (D)

The somatic cells of the male contain the autosomes only, which does not include the sex chromosomes.

 

The somatic cell found in males does not contain the Y chromosome alone.

Therefore, the given option is false.