Autosomal

The term autosomal is used to describe certain chromosomes within a karyotype that code for the production of various proteins. Autosomal chromosomes appear in pairs whereby each chromosome is genetically identical to its paired chromosome. Any chromosomes in a karyotype that are not autosomal are described as allosomal. Allosomal chromosomes are sex chromosomes which are responsible for sex determination.

In humans, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes, 22 of which are autosomal. The other pair are allosomal and determine sex (X and Y chromosomes).