What type of cell contains homologous pairs of chromosomes?

A diploid cell is characterized by the presence of homologous pairs of chromosomes. These chromosomes are inherited from both parents, with one chromosome of each pair coming from the mother and the other from the father. This means that in diploid cells, there are two complete sets of chromosomes—one set of homologous chromosomes from each parent.

In contrast, haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes, meaning they do not have homologous pairs. Haploid cells are typically seen in gametes (sperm and egg cells), where each cell has half the number of chromosomes compared to diploid cells.

Somatic cells, which make up most of the body's tissues and organs, are also diploid; therefore, while they do contain homologous pairs, the most accurate and general representation of the question is that it is specifically referring to diploid cells.

Sperm cells, being gametes, are haploid and only contain one set of chromosomes, thus lacking homologous pairs. Therefore, a diploid cell is the type that consistently contains homologous pairs of chromosomes, making it the correct answer.