autosomal linked trait definition
autosomal inheritance, a pattern of inheritance in which the transmission of traits depends on the presence or absence of certain alleles on the autosomes. The pattern may be dominant or recessive, and males and females are usually affected with equal frequency. The majority of hereditary disorders are the result of a defective gene on an autosome. Kinds of autosomal inheritance are autosomal-dominant inheritance and autosomal-recessive inheritance. See also inheritance.