Which statement about zygotes, which form by fertilization, is correct? A Zygotes have a full set of chromosomes, receiving half from each parent B Zygotes have half the set of chromosomes from one parent only. C Zygotes have two full sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent. D Zygotes have half the set of chromosomes, one-fourth from each parent

To determine the correct statement about zygotes, let's analyze the options based on the biological process of fertilization: 1. **Zygote Formation**: A zygote is formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell. Each of these gametes (sperm and egg) contributes half of the genetic material. 2. **Chromosome Sets**: In humans and many other organisms, the normal diploid number of chromosomes is 46, which consists of 23 pairs. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair. Now, let's evaluate the statements: A. **Zygotes have a full set of chromosomes, receiving half from each parent.** - This statement is correct. A zygote has a complete set of chromosomes (46 in humans), with 23 coming from the mother and 23 from the father. B. **Zygotes have half the set of chromosomes from one parent only.** - This statement is incorrect. A zygote receives chromosomes from both parents. C. **Zygotes have two full sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent.** - This statement is misleading. While a zygote does have two sets of chromosomes (one from each parent), it is more accurate to say it has a full set rather than two full sets. D. **Zygotes have half the set of chromosomes, one-fourth from each parent.** - This statement is incorrect. A zygote does not receive one-fourth of its chromosomes from each parent; it receives half from each. Based on this analysis, the correct statement is: **A. Zygotes have a full set of chromosomes, receiving half from each parent.**