What is an autosome?

Prepare for the PLTW Biomedical Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is an autosome?

Explanation:
Autosomes are the chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes. In humans there are 23 pairs of chromosomes: 22 autosome pairs and one pair of sex chromosomes (X and Y). The sex chromosomes determine biological sex, while autosomes carry the rest of the genes that influence most traits. So the term refers to any chromosome that isn’t a sex chromosome. Mitochondrial DNA, meanwhile, is separate from nuclear chromosomes and resides in mitochondria, not on autosomes.

Autosomes are the chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes. In humans there are 23 pairs of chromosomes: 22 autosome pairs and one pair of sex chromosomes (X and Y). The sex chromosomes determine biological sex, while autosomes carry the rest of the genes that influence most traits. So the term refers to any chromosome that isn’t a sex chromosome. Mitochondrial DNA, meanwhile, is separate from nuclear chromosomes and resides in mitochondria, not on autosomes.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy