Karyotype
Karyotype
A Karyotype (/ˈkærɪətaɪp/) is a test that produces an image of an individual's chromosomes. The karyotype is used to look for abnormal numbers or structures of chromosomes.
Etymology
The term "Karyotype" comes from the Greek words "karyon" (kernel, seed, or nucleus) and "typos" (general type).
Procedure
The process of karyotyping involves several steps. First, a sample of cells is taken, usually from the blood, but sometimes from other tissues like bone marrow or skin. The cells are then cultured in a laboratory to encourage them to divide. Once the cells have divided, they are stained and photographed under a microscope. The resulting image shows the chromosomes arranged in pairs from largest to smallest. This arrangement is known as a karyogram or idiogram.
Uses
Karyotyping is used in prenatal diagnosis to determine whether a fetus has the correct number of chromosomes. It is also used in cancer diagnosis and treatment to identify chromosomes that may be related to cancer.
Related Terms
- Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
- Gene: A unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
- Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
- Cytogenetics: The branch of genetics that studies the structure of DNA within the cell nucleus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Karyotype
- Wikipedia's article - Karyotype
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