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AAT Bioquest

What are the functions of autosomes?

Posted February 3, 2024


Answer

Autosomes perform a wide range of functions in an organism including but not limited to:

  • Carrying the genes or genetic codes that are vital for the normal functioning and maintenance of the body
  • Regulating various metabolic processes and pathways within the cell such as protein synthesis, energy production, and metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acid
  • Coding for enzymes that catalyze specific biochemical reactions involved in synthesizing cellular components, breaking down nutrients, eliminating waste products, and other metabolic processes 
  • Regulating cellular homeostasis, which is crucial for maintaining a stable internal environment resulting in optimal cellular function
  • Coding for proteins involved in cellular respiration, a process by which cells convert nutrients to energy
  • Facilitating cell signaling pathways, which are essential for cell communication and for coordinating cellular activities
  • Encoding proteins involved in producing immune system components, activating immune cells, regulating immune responses, and maintaining immune homeostasis
  • Synthesizing, secreting, and regulating hormones, which control various physiological processes such as development, homeostasis, metabolism, growth, and reproduction. 
  • Carrying genes responsible for DNA repair and replication mechanisms, which are critical to maintaining the stability and integrity of the genome
  • Coding for proteins that ensure the proper formation, structure, and function of cells
  • Carrying genes responsible for xenobiotic metabolism, which involves metabolizing and eliminating foreign substances from the body
Additional resources

Genetics, Autosomal Dominant

DNA and RNA Quantitation

Helixyte™ Green Fluorimetric dsDNA Quantitation Kit *Optimized for Broad Dynamic Range*