Which chromosome type codes for many regular human traits?

Which chromosome type codes for many regular human traits?

• A. Sex chromosome
• B. Mitochondrial DNA
• C. Ribosomal DNA
• D. Autosomal chromosome

Answer: (D)

Chromosomes that carry the majority of human genes are the autosomes—the 22 pairs that are not involved in sex determination. They hold most of our genes, which influence a wide range of common traits such as height, eye color, and skin characteristics, and these genes appear in both males and females. In contrast, sex chromosomes govern sex development and a smaller set of traits; mitochondrial DNA contains only a few genes essential for cellular energy production and is inherited from the mother; ribosomal DNA codes for ribosomal RNA components rather than affecting a broad array of traits. Because the autosomes carry the bulk of genes responsible for ordinary variation, they code for many regular human traits.

Chromosomes that carry the majority of human genes are the autosomes—the 22 pairs that are not involved in sex determination. They hold most of our genes, which influence a wide range of common traits such as height, eye color, and skin characteristics, and these genes appear in both males and females. In contrast, sex chromosomes govern sex development and a smaller set of traits; mitochondrial DNA contains only a few genes essential for cellular energy production and is inherited from the mother; ribosomal DNA codes for ribosomal RNA components rather than affecting a broad array of traits. Because the autosomes carry the bulk of genes responsible for ordinary variation, they code for many regular human traits.