defined:

A pattern of Mendelian inheritance whereby an affected individual possesses one copy of a mutant allele and one normal allele. (In contrast, recessive diseases require that the individual have two copies of the mutant allele.) Individuals with autosomal dominant diseases have a 50-50 chance of passing the mutant allele and hence the disorder onto their children. Examples of autosomal dominant diseases include Huntington's disease, neurofibromatosis, and polycystic kidney disease.

explained:

Listen to a detailed explanation.

Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, defines autosomal dominant.

related
terms:

autosome, dominant, gene, Huntington's disease, neurofibromatosis, inherited, Mendelian inheritance, phenotype

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