autosomes Definition
any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome, occurring in pairs in somatic cells and determining the genetic traits of an individual except for those traits determined by the sex chromosomes.
Using autosomes: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "autosomes" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.
Example
The inheritance of autosomal traits follows Mendelian patterns of inheritance.
Example
Autosomal dominant disorders are caused by mutations in genes on autosomes.
Phrases with autosomes
a pattern of inheritance where two copies of an abnormal gene must be present in order for the disease or trait to develop
Example
Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder.
a pattern of inheritance where only one copy of an abnormal gene is needed for the disease or trait to develop
Example
Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant disorder.
Example
Genes for eye color and hair color are often found on the same autosome and exhibit autosomal linkage.
Origins of autosomes
from Greek 'auto-', meaning 'self', and 'soma', meaning 'body'
Summary: autosomes in Brief
'Autosomes' [aw-tuh-sohmz] are chromosomes that occur in pairs in somatic cells and determine the genetic traits of an individual except for those traits determined by the sex chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes. Autosomal traits follow Mendelian patterns of inheritance, and disorders caused by mutations in genes on autosomes can be either dominant or recessive.
