A pattern of genetic inheritance in which both copies of a particular gene pair need to carry the same trait (such as blue eyes) for a trait to be expressed. Among the genetic disorders that are of the autosomal recessive type are phenylketonuria, galactosemia, and albinism.
An inheritance pattern in which both copies of a gene located on one of the non-sex chromosomes (autosomal gene) must be abnormal for a genetic condition or disease to manifest. If both parents possess one abnormal copy of the same gene, each pregnancy carries a 25% likelihood that the offspring will inherit the disorder.