So before you go in for your oil change, dig out your ownerâs manual and see what it says. And when the mechanic slaps on a sticker that gives the next change date in 3,000 miles, ask questions. And then, go get the car washed. Thatâs one thing that always seems to be needed.
The somatic cells of an animal species contain a specific number of chromosomes that must be maintained for the cells to work properly. In humans, they each contain 46 chromosomes, which includes 22 pairs of homologous chromosomes and one pair that is non-homologous.
Reproductive cells, or gametes-sperm and eggs-have half as many chromosomes as somatic cells, or one set of 23 chromosomes in humans. The number of chromosomes in somatic cells varies widely among species: 18 in cabbage plants, 48 in chimpanzees, 56 in elephants, 90 in hedgehogs, and 148 in one species of alga.