Autosomal

Autosomal refers to any of the numbered chromosomes, as opposed to the sex chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). Autosomal chromosomes are numbered roughly in relation to their sizes.

Autosomal Inheritance

Autosomal inheritance refers to the transmission of genes located on autosomes. This can be further classified into autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance patterns.

Autosomal Dominant

In autosomal dominant inheritance, only one copy of a mutated gene from one parent is sufficient to cause a disorder. Examples of autosomal dominant disorders include Huntington's disease and Marfan syndrome.

Autosomal Recessive

In autosomal recessive inheritance, two copies of a mutated gene, one from each parent, are necessary to cause a disorder. Examples of autosomal recessive disorders include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.

Autosomal Disorders

Autosomal disorders can be caused by mutations in genes located on the autosomes. These disorders can be either dominant or recessive.

Examples of Autosomal Disorders

• Cystic fibrosis
• Sickle cell anemia
• Huntington's disease
• Marfan syndrome
• Tay-Sachs disease

Autosomal Chromosomes in Humans

Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes, numbered 1 through 22. Each pair consists of one chromosome from the mother and one from the father. These chromosomes carry the bulk of an individual's genetic information.

See Also

• Chromosome
• Genetics
• Inheritance
• Sex chromosome
• Mutation