If a butterfly's body cell has 24 chromosomes, how many chromosomes are in a butterfly egg cell?

Study for the 9th Grade Biology SOL Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

If a butterfly's body cell has 24 chromosomes, how many chromosomes are in a butterfly egg cell?

Explanation:
In sexually reproducing organisms, egg cells are haploid and contain half as many chromosomes as body cells because meiosis halves the chromosome number. So, if a butterfly’s body cell has twenty-four chromosomes, its egg cell has twelve chromosomes. This reduction ensures that when the egg and a sperm unite, the resulting zygote ends up with the normal diploid number again.

In sexually reproducing organisms, egg cells are haploid and contain half as many chromosomes as body cells because meiosis halves the chromosome number. So, if a butterfly’s body cell has twenty-four chromosomes, its egg cell has twelve chromosomes. This reduction ensures that when the egg and a sperm unite, the resulting zygote ends up with the normal diploid number again.

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