What does a human zygote consist of in terms of chromosomes?

A human zygote is formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, resulting in a single cell that now contains genetic material from both parents. Each parent contributes 23 chromosomes, which are haploid (having a single set of chromosomes). When these haploid cells unite, they create a diploid zygote that consists of a total of 46 chromosomes.

In terms of organization, humans have 23 pairs of these chromosomes, meaning that there are two copies of each chromosome—one from the mother and one from the father. Thus, the correct understanding of a zygote is that it comprises 46 diploid chromosomes (not haploid). The concept of diploidy is critical because it reflects the zygote's complete set of genetic information that will direct development and growth into a full organism.

The incorrect options reflect misconceptions about the chromosome structure in the zygote stage. Chromosomes are structured in pairs in human cells, and understanding this structure is fundamental to grasping human genetics and development.