Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What type of diseases do autosomal diseases refer to?

1. Diseases caused by sex chromosomes

2. Genetic disorders not linked to sex chromosomes

3. Infectious diseases

4. Acquired immune deficiency diseases

The correct answer is: Genetic disorders not linked to sex chromosomes

Autosomal diseases refer specifically to genetic disorders that are not linked to sex chromosomes, which are the X and Y chromosomes. The term "autosomal" pertains to any of the chromosomes that are not directly involved in determining the sex of an individual, specifically the first 22 pairs in humans, known as autosomes. These diseases can be caused by mutations in genes located on these autosomes, resulting in a range of genetic disorders that can be inherited in different patterns, such as autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance. This classification highlights that these disorders can affect either gender equally and are passed on through familial lines regardless of sex. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing how these genetic diseases can manifest and be passed on through generations, which is why the option indicating that autosomal diseases are genetic disorders not linked to sex chromosomes is the accurate description. Other options do not correctly convey this essential characteristic of autosomal diseases.