How many chromosomes will be present in a gamete if the somatic cell has 8 chromosomes?

Step 1: Analyze the question You're given the chromosome number of a somatic (body) cell, which is 8, and asked for the number in a gamete (sex cell).

Step 2: Explain the concept

• Somatic cells are diploid (2n). They carry two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.
• Gametes (sperm and egg) are haploid (n). They carry only one set of chromosomes.
• Gametes are formed by meiosis, a type of cell division that halves the chromosome number. This is so that when two gametes fuse at fertilisation, the zygote gets back the full diploid number.

Step 3: Solve

• Somatic cell: 2n = 8
• Gamete: n = 8 ÷ 2 = 4

Checking the other options:

• A (16) would be double the somatic number, which happens in no normal cell division.
• B (6) has no biological basis here.
• D (8) is the diploid number, which is what the somatic cell already has.

Step 4: Answer The gamete will have 4 chromosomes, which is option C.

Exam tip: Remember "Gametes are Half". Gamete = Haploid = n, so just divide the somatic number by 2. Humans follow the same rule: somatic cells have 46 chromosomes and gametes have 23.