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Chromosome Pairs

Most human cells contain 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. An extra copy of one chromosome causes a condition such as trisomy 21.

In the picture

  1. A rounded cell membrane enclosing rod-shaped bodies.
  2. Two similar rod-shaped chromosomes lying side by side as one pair.
  3. Three similar rod-shaped chromosomes lying side by side, showing an extra copy.

Examples

  • A set of 23 pairs of shoes, with one pair having a third shoe.
  • A card deck sorted into pairs, where one card is duplicated.

Quiz: Chromosome Pairs (Age 15)

  1. How many chromosomes do most human cells have?

    • 46
    • 92
    • 23
  2. How are the 46 chromosomes arranged in most human cells?

    • In 46 pairs
    • In 23 pairs
    • In one long chain
  3. What causes trisomy 21?

    • A missing copy of chromosome 21
    • An extra copy of chromosome 21
    • An extra pair of every chromosome

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.

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Biology, Age 15