Karyotype and Chromosome Disorders
Karyotypes help us to increase our knowledge about human genetics. By looking at them scientists can see many informations of the person. But what else is so special about a so called karyotype? Structure of a karyotype A karyotype can be seen as a picture of all the chromosomes in the cell of a person. Chromosomes carry all the genetic information, which is required for various functions and development. Typically, every human has 46 chromosomes. These are 23 pairs and contain genetic information from both mother and father. The last pair of chromosomes decides if the person is a boy or a girl as they are called the sex chromosomes. Scientists can see possible abnormalities by looking at these karyotypes. How can we see those chromosomes? During the process of meiosis cells are encouraged to divide and you can see those chromosomes if you take a close look under a microscope. Chromosomes are very tiny so you are not able to see them with the naked eye - you need a microscope. By ...