How many total chromosomes are present in a diploid human cell?

In humans, a diploid cell is defined as a cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. Each set consists of 23 chromosomes, which includes both autosomes and sex chromosomes. Therefore, when you combine the two sets, the total number of chromosomes becomes 23 from one parent plus 23 from the other, resulting in a total of 46 chromosomes in a diploid human cell.

This diploid state is typical for most human somatic (body) cells, contrasting with haploid cells, such as gametes (sperm and egg cells), which contain only one set of 23 chromosomes. The presence of 46 chromosomes is crucial for maintaining the stability of the species' genetic structure during reproduction and development.