Praxis II Biology

Answer: B, 23 chromosomes are inherited from each parent. Fusion of the haploid sperm and egg results in a diploid embryo with 46 chromosomes.

Key Takeaway: The chromosomal basis of heredity is dependent on meiosis. In meiosis, haploid games are created from diploid cells. As a result of this process, each gamete provides half of the chromosomes that an offspring will inherit. This insures fidelity of the reproductive process, as otherwise each parent would contribute 46 chromosomes and the number of chromosomes inherited would infinitely double.