Name: _________________________
Hour: __________
Karyotype Web Activity
One of the ways doctors and cytogenetic technologists use to determine a possible
chromosomal abnormality is to use a lab technique called a KARYOTYPE
(CYTOGENETICS is the scientific jargon used to mean the study of chromosomes). In
this exercise, you will fill the role of a lab technician that is completing karyotypes on
three separate individuals. Read the directions and HAVE FUN BECOMING A
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL!
Click on the following link:
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/human_bio/activities/karyotyping/karyotyping.html
This will lead you to a great biological web site the University of Arizona has
constructed.
Read the introduction page up to the section entitled Your Assignment.
Click on the Patient Histories button on the lower portion of the screen.
Read the short history of Patient A and click on the Complete Patient A’s Karyotype
link. This will bring up a page that has an incomplete karyotype on it. Read the short
paragraph on the top of the screen; your job is to click on the number that is missing the
chromosome that is pictured on the top left portion of the screen (the only possibilities
are the numbers in BLUE). After the first chromosome is placed correctly, you will be
asked to match up a few more chromosomes until the karyotype is complete. When the
karyotype is completed, a new screen will appear. Read the text and answer questions
A1 and A2 (NOTE—there is a chart on this page that will help you diagnose patient A):
 Answer for A 1: ___________________________________________
 Answer for A 2: ___________________________________________
Once you have made your diagnosis, click on the Patient B button. Complete the
following karyotype for this individual and answer questions B1 and B2.
 Answer for B 1: ___________________________________________
 Answer for B 2: ___________________________________________
After diagnosing Patient B, click on the button entitled Patient C. Complete the
following karyotype for the last patient and answer questions C1 and C2.
 Answer for C 1: ___________________________________________
 Answer for C 2: ___________________________________________
After completing the questions above, answer the following questions (you will have to
search the internet for the answers).
How do cytogenetic technologists conduct a karyotype? Make sure you include the
following in your answer: What kinds of cells are used and how medical professionals
make sure the chromatin is condensed into chromosomes (what part of the cell cycle are
karyotype cells in). The following web site may help you out:
 http://www.chromodisorder.org/intro.htm (Read the section entitled: What is a
Karyotype?)
What are some other chromosomal disorders that karyotypes can diagnose? You need
only to give the name and two characteristics of the disorder. This web page may help:
 http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/karyotype/