autosome
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A chromosome that is not involved in determining the sex of an organism. Autosomes are present in identical pairs in the somatic (body) cells of diploid organisms and carry genes for general bodily characteristics and functions.
Usage
The term "autosome" is used in genetics and biology to distinguish the chromosomes responsible for most inherited traits from the sex chromosomes (X and Y in many species). It refers to any member of a pair of homologous chromosomes that are alike in both sexes.
Examples
- In humans, there are 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.
- A genetic disorder caused by a mutation on an autosome is called an autosomal disorder.
- The gene for eye color is located on an autosome, not on a sex chromosome.
Advanced Usage
- Autosomal (adjective): Pertaining to an autosome or the traits it carries.
- Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive condition.
- Autosomal inheritance: The pattern of inheritance for genes located on autosomes, which differs from sex-linked inheritance.
Variants and Related Words
- Autosomal: The adjective form.
- Somatic chromosome: A less common synonym for autosome.
Synonyms
- Somatic chromosome
- Non-sex chromosome
Antonyms
- Sex chromosome
- Allosome
Related Phrases/Concepts
- Autosomal dominant: A pattern of inheritance where a single copy of a mutated gene on an autosome is sufficient to cause the disorder.
- Autosomal recessive: A pattern of inheritance where two copies of a mutated gene on an autosome (one from each parent) are required to cause the disorder.
- Karyotype: A visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, which shows the autosomes arranged in pairs.
Noun
- any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome; appear in pairs in body cells but as single chromosomes in spermatozoa