Here's why:
* Chromosomes come in pairs: Most organisms have chromosomes in pairs, one from each parent.
* Diploid cells: A cell with two sets of chromosomes (like most human body cells) is called a diploid cell.
* Haploid cells: A cell with only one set of chromosomes (like sperm and egg cells) is called a haploid cell.
Therefore, if a cell has 44 chromosomes (a diploid number), it means there are 22 pairs of chromosomes.
Important Note: The number of chromosomes in a cell is specific to the species. Humans typically have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), but some species have fewer or more.
