Autosomal chromosome

Autosomal Chromosome

An autosomal chromosome is any of the numbered chromosomes, as opposed to the sex chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes (the X and Y). Autosomes are numbered roughly in relation to their sizes. That is, Chromosome 1 has approximately 2,800 genes, while chromosome 22 has approximately 750 genes.

Characteristics

Autosomal chromosomes carry the majority of the genetic material and are fundamental to the growth and development of all body tissues and systems. They contain genes that are responsible for a wide range of traits, such as eye color, hair color, and skin type. They also carry genes that are responsible for many genetic disorders.

Autosomal Disorders

Genetic disorders can be caused by changes in the number or structure of the autosomal chromosomes. These changes can affect many genes along the chromosome and disrupt the normal development and function of the body's systems. Examples of autosomal disorders include Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, and Edwards syndrome.

Autosomal Inheritance

Autosomal chromosomes also play a key role in genetic inheritance. In autosomal dominant inheritance, an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the disorder to each of their children. In autosomal recessive inheritance, both parents must carry a copy of the mutated gene for a child to be affected.

See Also

• Chromosome
• Sex chromosome
• Genetic disorder
• Autosomal dominant inheritance
• Autosomal recessive inheritance