A human cell containing 22 autosomes and a Y chromosome is a. a sperm. b. an egg. c. a zygote. d. a somatic cell of a male.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of cell based on chromosome count: A human cell with 22 autosomes and a Y chromosome indicates it is a haploid cell because it contains half the number of chromosomes typically found in body cells.
2. Understand the role of the Y chromosome: The presence of a Y chromosome indicates the cell is male.
3. Recall the types of male cells that could have this chromosome configuration: The options are sperm or a somatic cell of a male.
4. Determine if the cell is a gamete or a somatic cell: Somatic cells in males have both an X and a Y chromosome and 44 autosomes, totaling 46 chromosomes. Therefore, this cell cannot be a somatic cell.
5. Conclude the type of cell: Since the cell is haploid and contains a Y chromosome, it is a sperm cell.

Key Concepts

Autosomes and Sex Chromosomes

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with 22 pairs being autosomes and one pair being sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males). The presence of a Y chromosome indicates male sex determination, while the autosomes carry the majority of genetic information unrelated to sex.

Gametes

Gametes are reproductive cells that carry half the genetic information of an organism. In humans, sperm (male gamete) and eggs (female gamete) each contain 23 chromosomes, including one sex chromosome. A sperm cell with 22 autosomes and a Y chromosome is a typical male gamete.

Somatic Cells

Somatic cells are any cells in the body that are not gametes. They contain a full set of chromosomes, totaling 46 in humans (23 pairs). A somatic cell of a male would have 22 autosomes and two sex chromosomes (XY), not just one Y chromosome as indicated in the question.