AUTOSOME Meaning and
Definition
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An autosome is a term used in genetics to describe any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. It refers to the 22 pairs of chromosomes found in humans (excluding the 23rd pair which determines an individual's sex). Autosomes can be further subdivided into two types: homologous autosomes, which are identical and contain the same genes, and non-homologous autosomes, which are not identical and contain different genes.
Autosomes are responsible for most of the genetic information in an organism's genome, encoding numerous traits and characteristics. They carry various types of genes, including those involved in eye color, hair texture, height, and many other physical and physiological attributes. Furthermore, they also play a crucial role in determining an individual's susceptibility to certain genetic disorders and diseases, as autosomal gene mutations can lead to the development of such conditions.
During sexual reproduction, autosomes are passed on from parents to offspring, with each parent contributing one autosome from each homologous pair. This process ensures that an organism inherits a combination of genetic material from both parents. The study of autosomes and their inheritance patterns is fundamental to understanding genetic inheritance and gene expression.
Overall, autosomes are an integral part of an organism's genome, containing vast amounts of genetic information that contributes to its physical and genetic makeup.
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One of the ordinary or homeotypical chromosomes which are believed always to be equally distributed among the germ-cells, differing in this and other respects from the allosomes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AUTOSOME
Etymology of AUTOSOME
The word "autosome" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "auto", meaning "self", and "soma", meaning "body". Therefore, "autosome" translates to "self-body" or "own-body". This term was coined in the early 20th century as a way to distinguish the non-sex chromosomes from the sex chromosomes in organisms.
Similar spelling words for AUTOSOME
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