How many chromosomes do gamete cells contain compared to body cells?

Gamete cells, which are the reproductive cells (sperm and egg), contain half the number of chromosomes found in body cells, also known as somatic cells. This process is essential for sexual reproduction because it ensures that when gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote has the correct number of chromosomes.

In humans, for example, body cells have a total of 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs. In contrast, gametes are haploid, meaning they carry only one set of 23 chromosomes. This reduction in chromosome number occurs through the process of meiosis, where cells divide to create gametes, ensuring genetic diversity and proper chromosome number in the offspring. Thus, it is crucial that gametes have half the number of chromosomes to maintain balance across generations following fertilization.