Biology – The Continuity
of Life
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Objective 2
Identify human genetic conditions using a
karyotype.
Karyotype
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Definition:
– A photograph of all of a person’s
chromosomes, arranged in homologous
pairs, by size
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When is it used?
– To confirm the appearance of extra,
missing, or damaged chromosomes (to
diagnose a disease)
Karyotype
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How is it made…
1. Cell division is stopped during metaphase
2. The chromosomes are stained
3. The cell is broken open by dropping it onto
a glass slide
4. The chromosomes are photographed,
enlarged, and arranged
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A normal karyotype for a human woman
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A normal male karyotype