The human cell contains __________ chromosomes.

The correct answer is 46.

Key Points

• In humans, each cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46.
• Twenty-two of these pairs, called autosomes, look the same in both males and females.
• The 23rd pair, the sex chromosomes, differ between males and females.
• Females have two copies of the X chromosome, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.

Additional Information

• Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells.
• Each chromosome is made of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
• Passed from parents to offspring, DNA contains the specific instructions that make each type of living creature unique.