Definitions for karyotypeˈkær i əˌtaɪp
This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word karyotype
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
kar•y•o•typeˈkær i əˌtaɪp(n.)
the chromosomes of a cell, usu. displayed as a systematized arrangement of chromosome pairs in descending order of size.
Origin of karyotype:
the appearance of the chromosomal makeup of a somatic cell in an individual or species (including the number and arrangement and size and structure of the chromosomes)
The observed characteristics (number, type, shape etc) of the chromosomes of an individual or species.
A record of such characteristics, usually photographic.
A group of individuals or species that have the same chromosomal characteristics.
To investigate or record such characteristics
Origin: From кариотип, corresponding to karyo- + -type.
A karyotype is the number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. The term is also used for the complete set of chromosomes in a species, or an individual organism. Karyotypes describe the number of chromosomes, and what they look like under a light microscope. Attention is paid to their length, the position of the centromeres, banding pattern, any differences between the sex chromosomes, and any other physical characteristics. The preparation and study of karyotypes is part of cytogenetics. The study of whole sets of chromosomes is sometimes known as karyology. The chromosomes are depicted in a standard format known as a karyogram or idiogram: in pairs, ordered by size and position of centromere for chromosomes of the same size. The basic number of chromosomes in the somatic cells of an individual or a species is called the somatic number and is designated 2n. Thus, in humans 2n = 46. In the germ-line the chromosome number is n.p28 So, in normal diploid organisms, autosomal chromosomes are present in two copies. There may, or may not, be sex chromosomes. Polyploid cells have multiple copies of chromosomes and haploid cells have single copies.
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