Chromosomes can be viewed as “collections of genes.” Diploid organisms have homologous pairs of chromosomes; one member of each pair was received from each parent, and so these “collections” are not completely identical. Recalling the cell division processes that give rise to different kinds of cells, consider how the “collections of genes” that occur in the somatic cells (general body cells) of an individual compare with the “collections of genes” that occur in the gametes produced by the same (human) individual. Explain the difference in terms of both the types of combinations that can occur and the quantity of genetic information in the cell. Solution Somatic cells (body cells) Gametes.