Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Principles of Inheritance and Variation

Question:

In the context of humans, which one of the following groups will have 46 chromosomes:

Options:

Spermatogonia and secondary spermatocytes

Spermatids and ovum

Oogonia and spermatogonia

Sperm and second polar body

Correct Answer:

Oogonia and spermatogonia

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) → Oogonia and spermatogonia 

In humans, the chromosome number is diploid (2n = 46) in somatic cells and germ cells before meiosis, and haploid (n = 23) in gametes (sperm and egg) and certain cells produced during meiosis.

Spermatogonia and secondary spermatocytes:

    • Spermatogonia are diploid (46 chromosomes). Secondary spermatocytes are haploid (23 chromosomes) because they are produced after meiosis I. Not both have 46 chromosomes.

Spermatids and ovum:

    • Spermatids are haploid (23 chromosomes) because they are produced after meiosis II. Ovum (egg) is haploid (23 chromosomes). Both are haploid.

Oogonia and spermatogonia:

    • Oogonia (female germ cells before meiosis) are diploid (46 chromosomes). Spermatogonia (male germ cells before meiosis) are diploid (46 chromosomes). Both have 46 chromosomes.

Sperm and second polar body:

    • Sperm is haploid (23 chromosomes). Second polar body is haploid (23 chromosomes) because it is a byproduct of meiosis in oogenesis. Both are haploid.

                                        Schematic representation of (a) Spermatogenesis; (b) Oogenesis