How many total chromosomes do humans have?

• A. 23 pairs
• B. 46
• C. 23
• D. 92

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is chromosome count in human cells. Humans carry a complete paired set of chromosomes in most body cells, with each chromosome having a partner from the other parent. There is also a sex chromosome pair that helps determine gender. In the cells that form eggs and sperm, the paired set is reduced so that each gamete contains only a single member from each chromosome pair. After fertilization, the paired set is restored to form the full complement in the resulting individual. The other options reflect related concepts but not the count in typical body cells: one describes the grouping into pairs rather than the total number; another points to a single member of each pair as in gametes; and the last refers to chromatids that are present after DNA replication, which does not change how many chromosomes are counted. Therefore, the best choice is the description of the complete paired set in body cells.