Autosomes are chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes. In humans, there are 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). Autosomes are numbered roughly in relation to their sizes, with chromosome 1 being the largest and chromosome 22 being the smallest. The members of an autosome pair in a diploid cell have the same morphology, unlike those in allosomal (sex chromosome) pairs, which may have different structures. Autosomes control the inheritance of all an organisms characteristics except the sex-linked ones, which are controlled by the sex chromosomes. Autosomal abnormalities can have profound implications for human health and are the focus of extensive research.

Key points about autosomes:

• Autosomes are any of the numbered chromosomes, as opposed to the sex chromosomes.
• Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY).
• Autosomes are numbered roughly in relation to their sizes, with chromosome 1 being the largest and chromosome 22 being the smallest.
• The members of an autosome pair in a diploid cell have the same morphology, unlike those in allosomal (sex chromosome) pairs, which may have different structures.
• Autosomes control the inheritance of all an organisms characteristics except the sex-linked ones, which are controlled by the sex chromosomes.
• Autosomal abnormalities can have profound implications for human health and are the focus of extensive research.