autosomer

Autosomer is a term that has appeared in a limited set of genetics and computational biology sources. There is no universally accepted definition, and its meaning varies by author and context. In theoretical genetics, autosomer is sometimes defined as a single autosomal chromosome or a discrete autosomal segment used in mathematical models of inheritance, recombination, and linkage. In this sense, an autosomer acts as an abstract unit that helps researchers discuss chromosomal behavior without tying the discussion to a specific species or genome.

In computational genomics and simulation studies, autosomer may denote an abstract representation of autosomal material within a model. Here, autosomers can carry allelic states and be subject to rules for mutation, selection, or recombination, but they are not literal laboratory constructs. The term can also appear in speculative literature as a fictional or hypothetical autonomous chromosomal element or self-assembling genome component. Such usages are literary or conceptual and not part of established biology.

Because the term lacks standardization, researchers usually define autosomer explicitly when using it. When encountered, readers should examine the surrounding text to determine whether autosomer refers to a theoretical unit, a software representation, or a fictional concept. See also autosome, chromosome, genetic model, simulation, somatic mosaicism.