Here's why:
* Normal body cells (somatic cells): These cells are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent). Humans have 46 chromosomes in total, organized into 23 pairs.
* Germ cells (gametes): These cells are haploid, meaning they have only one set of chromosomes. They contain 23 chromosomes in total. This is because when a sperm and egg fuse during fertilization, they combine their chromosomes to form a diploid zygote with 46 chromosomes.
Therefore, a human germ cell contains 23 chromosomes.
