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Dictionary » A » Autosome

Autosome

Definition

noun, plural: autosomes

(Science: Genetics)

Any chromosome not considered as a sex chromosome, or is not involved in sex determination. It occurs in pairs in somatic cells and singly in sex cells (gametes).


Supplement

For instance, a human somatic cell will normally contain 23 pairs of chromosomes (total=46 chromosomes). Twenty-two (22) of these pairs will be autosomes, and only one of them will be a pair of sex chromosomes (the X and Y chromosomes).

In sex cells like egg cell and sperm cell where chromosomes occur singly (total=23), 22 of them are autosomes while the remaining one is a sex chromosome (either X or Y chromosome).


Word origin: Gk, comb. form of autós ,self + Gk soma, body.

Related forms: autosomal (adjective).

Synonym: euchromosome.
Compare: sex chromosome.
See also: chromosomes.


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Quick Question-

... would be very nice. Also quickly- how can I deduce from a pedigree chart whether or not a genetic disorder is x-linked or related to a gene on an autosome? (given that it is of dominant character) thanks for your time :)

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by sa6588
Fri Apr 17, 2009 8:03 pm
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: Quick Question-
Replies: 1
Views: 361

Sex-Linked Traits and Autosomal Genes

For each autosome you have two copies(homologs), but is that always the case for sex chromosomes? What happens to a hemizygous individual?

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by mith
Wed Nov 07, 2007 8:49 pm
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: Sex-Linked Traits and Autosomal Genes
Replies: 5
Views: 2809

Re: genetics question- colorblindness...please help!

yeah the chance is 50% but color vision is based on 3 genes and 2 of them are on X chromosome (for green and red) and the one for blue is on autosome(think it's 7 but not 100% sure) so it doesn't have to be the same type..correct me :? ...but most often it's about X

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by zami'87.
Fri Apr 21, 2006 7:30 pm
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: genetics question- colorblindness...please help!
Replies: 4
Views: 1159

sex-influenced trait

nope, they are different sex influenced traits are traits controlled by autosome sex linked is controlled by sex chromosome, x or y but basicallly, they mean that the traits expression are different between male and female one example of sex influenced trait ...

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by kiekyon
Wed Mar 15, 2006 2:12 am
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: sex-influenced trait
Replies: 14
Views: 6554

sex determination and linkage

... 3 genes for 3 pigments are involved in color seeing:red,green,blue. Genes for red and green are on X chromosome but gene for blue pigment is on autosome(chromosome 7 but not 100% sure). Mutation in any of these genes can cause color blindness. :)

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by zami'87.
Sun Feb 19, 2006 1:05 am
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: sex determination and linkage
Replies: 6
Views: 1482
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