A karyotype is defined as the number and visual appearance of the chromosomes in the cell nuclei of an organism or species. The test involves the isolation of chromosomes from the cells of an organism. This is achieved by disrupting the cell and nuclear membrane to allow the chromosomes to spread throughout the cell. The cells in the metaphase stage are then exposed to agents that arrest the cell division in the same stage.
The metaphase plate obtained is then photographed and the chromosomes are arranged in order. This can be done both manually and using the software. The arranged chromosomes are then observed for chromosomal abnormalities such as chromosome breakage, extra chromosomes, fewer chromosomes, chromosome size, abnormal banding pattern, and microdeletion. Information obtained from a karyotype is highly useful in diagnosing genetic and congenital disorders and their effective…
