1. How many chromosomes do humans have from their parent's total? a. How many do we get from our mom? b. How many do we get from our dad? 2. Define... a. Somatic Cells b. Gametes

### 1. Human Chromosomes Inherited from Parents Humans have a total of **46 chromosomes** in each somatic (body) cell. These chromosomes are inherited equally from both parents. #### a. Chromosomes from the Mother - **23 chromosomes** are inherited from the mother. - These come from the mother’s egg cell (oocyte), which is a gamete containing half the usual number of chromosomes (23). #### b. Chromosomes from the Father - **23 chromosomes** are inherited from the father. - These come from the father’s sperm cell, which is also a gamete containing half the usual number of chromosomes (23). ### 2. Definitions #### a. Somatic Cells - **Somatic cells** are all the cells in the body except for the reproductive (gamete) cells. - They are **diploid**, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes (46 in total for humans). - Examples include skin cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells. - Somatic cells undergo **mitosis** for growth and repair, maintaining the same number of chromosomes in each daughter cell. #### b. Gametes - **Gametes** are the reproductive cells responsible for sexual reproduction. - They are **haploid**, meaning they contain one set of chromosomes (23 in humans). - In humans, the gametes are: - **Sperm cells** (male gametes) - **Egg cells (oocytes)** (female gametes) - During fertilization, a sperm and an egg combine to form a **diploid zygote**, restoring the normal chromosome number. ### Summary - **Total Chromosomes in Humans:** 46 (23 from each parent) - **Somatic Cells:** Diploid cells with 46 chromosomes, making up most of the body’s tissues and organs. - **Gametes:** Haploid reproductive cells with 23 chromosomes, involved in sexual reproduction. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on genetics or related topics, feel free to ask!