What are autosomes?

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Multiple Choice

What are autosomes?

Explanation:
Autosomes are the non-sex chromosomes. In humans, there are 23 chromosome pairs in total, with 22 pairs being autosomes and the 23rd pair being the sex chromosomes. Autosomes come in homologous pairs in most body (somatic) cells and carry the vast majority of genetic information that influences ordinary traits. The sex chromosomes (X and Y) determine biological sex, which is why they aren’t autosomes. Other options describe something different—a type of RNA, or a specific chromosome region (the centromere)—which aren’t autosomes. So autosomes are any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome, the first 22 pairs.

Autosomes are the non-sex chromosomes. In humans, there are 23 chromosome pairs in total, with 22 pairs being autosomes and the 23rd pair being the sex chromosomes. Autosomes come in homologous pairs in most body (somatic) cells and carry the vast majority of genetic information that influences ordinary traits. The sex chromosomes (X and Y) determine biological sex, which is why they aren’t autosomes. Other options describe something different—a type of RNA, or a specific chromosome region (the centromere)—which aren’t autosomes. So autosomes are any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome, the first 22 pairs.

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