Somatic cells are characterized by which of the following?

Somatic cells are characterized by having two sets of homologous chromosomes, which is referred to as being diploid. This means that for each chromosome, there is a corresponding pair - one inherited from each parent. In humans, somatic cells contain 46 chromosomes, arranged into 23 pairs, consisting of one set from the mother and one from the father.

This diploid nature of somatic cells is critical for maintaining genetic stability during cell division processes such as mitosis, where the chromosomes are accurately duplicated and distributed to daughter cells. The presence of two sets of chromosomes allows for genetic diversity through recombination and the repair of damaged DNA, enhancing the organism’s adaptability and resilience.

In contrast, options related to having one complete set of genes or being haploid pertain to gametes, which are involved in sexual reproduction and carry only one set of chromosomes. Furthermore, somatic cells are produced by mitosis rather than meiosis, which is a process that results in haploid gametes. This distinction underscores the unique functional roles and genetic compositions of somatic cells compared to gametes. Therefore, the characteristic of having two sets of homologous chromosomes accurately defines somatic cells.