Human cells typically have how many copies of each gene?

Human cells typically have two copies of each gene because humans are diploid organisms, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent. Each set of chromosomes contains one copy of every gene. This redundancy is essential for genetic diversity and provides a backup mechanism in case one copy of the gene is defective or mutated. Having two copies also allows for the possibility of genetic recombination, which ensures the mixing and shuffling of genetic material during reproduction, leading to increased genetic variation in offspring. Additionally, having two copies of each gene enables the regulation and control of gene expression, as one copy can compensate for the loss or dysfunction of the other.