What is a karyotype and what is it used for?

1 Answer
Zoe
Feb 3, 2016

A karyotype is a a picture to show the appearance and number of chromosomes to determine whether you have a disease caused by a genetic mutation (sickle cell anemia, down's syndrome). It can also tell gender.

Explanation:

For example, if you see an extra chromosome in the 23rd pair, you can tell it's down syndrome.

Two XX's in the karyotype can tell you that you are a girl, and XY can tell that you are a boy.

Hope this helped!

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