Maternity HESI Test Bank Related

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Before meiosis, a sperm cell:

  • A. contains 46 chromosomes.
  • B. contains two X chromosomes.
  • C. is significantly larger than an egg cell.
  • D. contains both an X and a Y chromosome.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Before meiosis, a sperm cell contains 46 chromosomes. This is because sperm cells, like other somatic cells, have a diploid number of chromosomes. During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved to 23 to combine with an egg cell during fertilization. Choice B is incorrect because a sperm cell carries either an X or a Y chromosome, not both (Choice D). Choice C is incorrect as sperm cells are generally smaller than egg cells, which is an adaptation that aids in motility and penetration of the egg during fertilization.