ONLINE KARYOTYPING ACTIVITY
Use a separate sheet of paper for each site.
Site 1: Genetic Science Learning Center (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ )
Go to "heredity and traits" --> "How Do Scientists Read Chromosomes"
(Find the answers to the following questions in this area. Browse all sections)
1. What are the three key features used to read chromosomes?
2. Sketch or describe: metacentric, submetacentric, acrocentric
3. Got to Make a Karyotype - Try it yourself - Create your own karyotype - turning on hints is
okay.
What did you find difficult about matching the chromosomes?
4. Go to - Using Karyotypes to Predict Genetic Disorders
What is trisomy?
What is monosomy?
What is a terminal deletion?
5. For each of the Disorders, describe the chromosome abnormality and the symptoms.
Cri Du Chat Turner Syndrome Klinefelter Syndrome Williams Syndrome -
Site 2: www.biology.arizona.edu
1. Click on human biology
2. Scroll down and click on “web karyotyping”
3. Read the information provided. Answer the questions in complete sentences on a
separate sheet of paper. Label this section Pre-lab questions.
a. What will you be doing in this experiment?
b. How many times a year are karyotypes performed in the US and Canada?
c. What does a karyotype analysis involve?
d. What stage of a cell’s life is most suitable for looking at chromosomes? Why?
e. Where do the dark bands on chromosomes come from?
f. What 3 things are compared in a karyotype analysis?
g. What does karyotyping allow us to do?
4. Click on Patient histories. Read Patient A’s history and complete the chart on the
following page.
5. Click on Patient A. Complete the karyotype by following the directions, and complete
the necessary information.
6. When done, repeat for patient B and patient C. Print out data table and attach to
answer sheet.
7. When you have completed all 3 patients, answer the following: Label this section
analysis questions.
a. What are the 4 possible diagnoses and the chromosomal abnormalities for
each.
b. What is the difference between monosomy and trisomy?
c. Describe how these abnormalities come about?
d. Name a procedure that can be used to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities in
an unborn fetus. (before a karyotype can be done)
8. Label the next section results/conclusion. Discuss the diagnosis for each patient and
explain why that diagnosis was made.
Data Table 1: Patient Karyotype Information
PATIENT HISTORY
PATIENT A
PATIENT B
PATIENT C
KARYOTYPE
NOTATION
DIAGNOSIS
AND REASON
Site 3: Diagnose a karyotype: http://www.biologycorner.com/karyotype/
1. Match the homologous chromosomes to complete the normal karyotype on
the first screen. Print this out.
2. Go to the next screen to diagnose a patient from their karyotype. Cases are
assigned based on the first initial of your first name.
A-F = case 1
G-K = case 2
L-P = case 3
Q-U = case 4
V-Z = case 5
3. When your karyotype is complete type in your name and diagnosis and print.
4. Attach both the normal karyotype and the diagnosis karyotype to your work
from the other sites.
NOTE: If you can’t print it out, take a picture of it on your phone, send it to
yourself and print it out.