Allosomes
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Allosomes, also known as heterochromosomes or idiosomes, are chromosomes that differ in size, shape, and staining properties from ordinary autosomes. In 1930s biology, they are studied extensively in connection with the inheritance and determination of sex.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
ALLOSOMES (Greek allos — other, and soma — body), synonyms: heterochromosomes, idiosomes — chromosomes that differ in a number of characters (size, shape, stainability) from ordinary chromosomes (autosomes) involved in the karyokinetic figures of germ cells. At present, allosomes are the subject of careful study in connection with attempts to explain the phenomena of inheritance and sex determination. For details, see Heredity and Karyokinesis.
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“Allosomes.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/allosomes/