What is the Difference Between Autosomes and Chromosomes?

Autosomes and chromosomes both refer to the DNA-containing structures within a cell's nucleus. However, there are some differences between them:

• Definition: Autosomes are the numbered chromosomes, as opposed to the sex chromosomes. They determine the body's general traits. Chromosomes, on the other hand, are the thread-like structures that carry DNA and are found in the nucleus of each cell.
• Number: Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes, resulting in a total of 46 chromosomes.
• Size: Autosomes are numbered roughly in relation to their sizes. The largest autosome, chromosome 1, has approximately 2,800 genes, while the smallest autosome, chromosome 22, has approximately 750 genes.
• Homology: Autosomes have homologous pairs, meaning that they have a consistent size, centromere location, and banding pattern. Sex chromosomes, on the other hand, are partially homologous.
• Inheritance: Autosomes follow Mendelian inheritance, while sex chromosomes show non-Mendelian inheritance.

In summary, autosomes are the numbered chromosomes that determine general traits and come in homologous pairs, while chromosomes are the overall DNA-containing structures within a cell's nucleus. Sex chromosomes are a specific type of chromosome that determine an individual's sex and are partially homologous.

Comparative Table: Autosomes vs Chromosomes

Here is a table highlighting the differences between autosomes and chromosomes:

In summary, autosomes are non-sex chromosomes that determine general characteristics of both female and male, while chromosomes collectively determine various traits of an organism, including gender and sex-related characteristics. Autosomes come in 22 pairs, and both members of a pair have the same morphology, while sex chromosomes come in pairs, with one pair being responsible for the gender of humans.