What is a karyotype?

What is a karyotype?

• A. A chart showing genetic traits in a family
• B. A micrograph of chromosomes arranged in pairs
• C. An enzyme that cuts DNA into pieces
• D. A method for separating DNA fragments

Answer: (B)

A karyotype is a micrograph that displays chromosomes arranged in pairs, which is a crucial aspect of genetic analysis. This arrangement allows scientists to examine the number and structure of chromosomes in an organism. By organizing chromosomes in this manner, it becomes easier to identify any abnormalities that may be present, such as deletions, duplications, or translocations that could be associated with genetic disorders or diseases. In the context of genetics, a karyotype is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions that arise from chromosomal anomalies, such as Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. By comparing the karyotype against standard reference karyotypes, one can identify deviations from typical chromosomal patterns. The other options represent different concepts in genetics that do not align with the definition of a karyotype. For instance, a chart showing genetic traits in a family relates to pedigree analysis, while enzymes that cut DNA into pieces refers to restriction enzymes in molecular biology. Finally, separating DNA fragments uses techniques like electrophoresis, which is quite distinct from the visual representation of chromosomal pairs provided by a karyotype.

A karyotype is a micrograph that displays chromosomes arranged in pairs, which is a crucial aspect of genetic analysis. This arrangement allows scientists to examine the number and structure of chromosomes in an organism. By organizing chromosomes in this manner, it becomes easier to identify any abnormalities that may be present, such as deletions, duplications, or translocations that could be associated with genetic disorders or diseases.

In the context of genetics, a karyotype is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions that arise from chromosomal anomalies, such as Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. By comparing the karyotype against standard reference karyotypes, one can identify deviations from typical chromosomal patterns.

The other options represent different concepts in genetics that do not align with the definition of a karyotype. For instance, a chart showing genetic traits in a family relates to pedigree analysis, while enzymes that cut DNA into pieces refers to restriction enzymes in molecular biology. Finally, separating DNA fragments uses techniques like electrophoresis, which is quite distinct from the visual representation of chromosomal pairs provided by a karyotype.