In the context of humans, which one of the following groups will have 46 chromosomes:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Oogonia and spermatogonia
Human body cells are diploid, with 46 chromosomes. Meiosis halves this number, so the cells formed after the first meiotic division, and the gametes, are haploid, with 23 chromosomes.
Option (1) Spermatogonia and secondary spermatocytes — Incorrect. Spermatogonia have 46, but secondary spermatocytes have only 23. They are formed when a primary spermatocyte completes the first meiotic division.
Option (2) Spermatids and ovum — Incorrect. Both are haploid, with 23 chromosomes. Spermatids form after the second meiotic division, and the ovum is the female gamete.
Option (3) Oogonia and spermatogonia — Correct. These are the gamete mother cells of the ovary and the testis. They have not yet entered meiosis, so both are diploid, with 46 chromosomes.
Option (4) Sperm and second polar body — Incorrect. Both are haploid, with 23 chromosomes. The second polar body is the small cell left over when the secondary oocyte completes the second meiotic division.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 22-05-2025 (Slot 2).