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

In a typical human cell line, there are a total of 46 chromosomes. This comprises 44 autosomes, which are the non-sex chromosomes responsible for the majority of genetic traits, and 2 sex chromosomes that determine an individual's sex—XX for females and XY for males.

This chromosome count of 46 represents the diploid state of human cells, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. During particular processes such as meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved, resulting in gametes that contain 23 chromosomes each. However, in somatic cells, which make up the majority of the human body's tissues, the diploid number is maintained at 46.

Understanding this structure is vital in genetics, as it lays the foundation for comprehending inheritance patterns, genetic disorders, and overall human biology.