A sperm contains which of the following chromosomes?

A sperm cell is a haploid gamete that contributes to the formation of a zygote during fertilization. Each sperm contains a total of 23 chromosomes: 22 autosomes and one sex chromosome, which can be either an X or a Y chromosome. This genetic composition is crucial for determining the sex of the offspring.

When a sperm with an X chromosome fertilizes an egg, the resulting zygote is female (XX), whereas if a sperm with a Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, the resulting zygote is male (XY). Therefore, the correct choice accurately reflects the number of chromosomes in a sperm cell, which consists of 22 autosomes plus one sex chromosome, either X or Y.

The other options imply incorrect chromosome configurations that do not apply to sperm. For instance, the notion of only having an X chromosome or only a Y chromosome would not account for the total chromosome requirement for proper fertilization and development. Additionally, having two X chromosomes misrepresents the genetic makeup of male sperm cells, which are defined by their singular X or Y chromosome in conjunction with the 22 autosomes. Understanding this distinction is key in genetics and reproductive biology.