Question

why do we say there are 46 chromosomes in humans if each cell has 46 chromosomes? ​

Answer 1

Explanation: The number of chromosomes is even because we are diploid: there are 23 types of chromosomes, and we inherit one of each type from each parent. Diploidy has some advantages, most importantly allowing combination of different genetic sources during sexual reproduction, and the ability to repair damages in one chromosome using the other as a template.