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AUTOSOME

An autosome is a non-sex chromosome. It is an ordinary paired chromosome that is the same in both sexes of a species. For example, in humans, there are 22 pairs of autosomes. The X and Y chromosomes are not autosomal.

Non-autosomal chromosomes are usually referred to as sex chromosomes, allosomes or heterosomes.

Uses

An autosomal dominant gene is one on an autosome that is always expressed, even if a single copy exists. The chance is 1 in 2 (50%) for passing this autosomal dominant gene to a particular offspring. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans.

See also

Evolution of chromosomes
Basic topics: Chromosome | Karyotype | Ploidy | Meiosis
Classification: Autosome | Sex chromosome
Evolution: Chromosomal inversion | Chromosomal translocation | Polyploidy