AGB 121: Principles of Animal Genetics and Population Genetics (2+1)

KARYOTYPE

• A karyotype is an organized profile of an organism's chromosomes.
• In a karyotype, chromosomes are arranged and numbered by size, from largest to smallest.
• This arrangement helps in quick identification of chromosomal alterations that may result in a genetic disorder.
• To make a karyotype, picture of someone's metaphase chromosomes will be taken and is cut out and matched up using size, banding pattern and centromere position as guides.

Karyotyping

• Karyotyping is a test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells, which can help identify genetic problems as the cause of a disorder or disease. This test can:
  • Count the number of chromosomes
  • Look for structural changes in chromosomes