If gametes were diploid like somatic cells, how many chromosomes would the zygote contain? if gametes were diploid like somatic cells, how many chromosomes would the zygote contain? half the diploid number with no change in development twice the diploid number, and with every succeeding generation, the chromosome number would continue to double and normal development could not occur. triple the diploid number, and with every succeeding generation, the chromosome number would continue to triple and normal development would not occur. there is no relationship between gametes and somatic cells.