Fertilization results in a zygote with how many chromosome sets?

• A. 23 chromosomes
• B. 46 chromosomes (23+23)
• C. 92 chromosomes
• D. 44 chromosomes

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that fertilization restores a full diploid set of chromosomes by combining two haploid sets. In humans, each gamete (sperm or egg) carries 23 chromosomes. When they fuse, the zygote ends up with two complete sets—one from each parent— totaling 46 chromosomes organized as 23 pairs. This is why the zygote has 46 chromosomes, not 23, 92, or 44. The 46-chromosome state reflects two chromosome sets (diploid), one from each parent.