How many chromosomes are present in the S phase of the cell cycle?

During the S phase of the cell cycle, DNA replication occurs, which results in the duplication of chromosomes. Typically, human somatic cells have 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs. In the S phase, each chromosome is replicated, leading to the formation of sister chromatids.

As a result of this replication, at the end of the S phase, the cell contains 92 chromatids. However, it's important to note that the actual number of distinct chromosomes remains 46, but because each chromosome has been duplicated, it effectively has 92 chromatids present. When considering how many total chromatids exist following replication, the number would be 92. Thus, the answer reflects the increased chromatid count due to DNA replication during this stage of the cell cycle.