Karyotyping Practice

A karyotype is prepared from a photograph of dividing cells that have been arrested at metaphase and freed from the spindle apparatus. The normal karyotype photograph will be used as your guide.

Prepare one normal male or female karyotype and one of a patient with a chromosome anomaly.

Preparing a karyotype

Count the chromosomes before you begin, writing a number beside each chromosome.
Cut out each individual chromosome, leaving a small, white margin (about 1-2 mm) around each chromosome.
Don't throw away any scraps paper until your karyotype is complete.
Arrange chromosome into groups A - G and sex chromosomes, using your karyotype example as a guide.
Arrange chromosomes in each group from large to small and in pairs. (This will involve some guesswork, especially with group C chromosomes.)
Line up centromeres on the dotted line.
Tape or glue the chromosome down (keeping centromeres on the dotted line).
Label each of the 7 groups and label the individual chromosome pair numbers.
Indicate whether the karyotype is from a male or female and what abnormality is present in the aneuploid karyotype.