Gametes are sex cells which carry the genetic information required for the next generation. During fertilization the gametes from the male and female cells fuse together to form a zygote. In a zygote, the 23 chromosomes from the male gametes and 23 chromosomes from the female cells come together to form 23 pairs of chromosomes, that is, a total of 46 chromosomes. If the gametes had 46 chromosomes, the resulting zygote would have 92 chromosomes and this would keep on doubling with each subsequent generation. So, the 23 chromosomes in the gametes ensure that total number of chromosomes in the zygote remains constant.
Can you think of any reason why the gametes have only 23 chromosomes, one of each pair?
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Academic.Tips. 2022. "Can you think of any reason why the gametes have only 23 chromosomes, one of each pair?" January 3, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/can-you-think-of-any-reason-why-the-gametes-have-only-23-chromosomes-one-of-each-pair/.
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