• Question: How many chromosomes are found in human body cells?

    Asked by Esha to Barbara, Matt, Ravinder, Sophie, Tristan on 7 Mar 2015. This question was also asked by Ayse.
    • Photo: Barbara Shih

      Barbara Shih answered on 7 Mar 2015:

      46 chromosomes (23 pairs)

    • Photo: Matthew Moore

      Matthew Moore answered on 7 Mar 2015:

      As Barbara said in human cells there are typically 23 pairs of chromosomes which consist of chromosomes 1-22 and then a sex chromosome which determines whether you’re female (XX) or male (XY).

      There are some chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome where there number is different. Some cancer cells can also contain the wrong number of chromsomes. There are also cells in the body such as red blood cells which don’t contain any chromosomes!

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