Genetics: Karyotyping Activity

Karyotyping is a test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells, which can help identify genetic problems as the cause of a disorder or disease. This test can count the number of chromosomes and look for structural changes in chromosomes (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003935.htm). At first, we really don’t know why there is a need for karyotyping but as we go along in the cutting and pasting the pair of each chromosome, we realize it’s worth and we enjoy doing the activity.

Cut n' Paste Karyotyping Activity
(manual cutting and pasting)

Karyotyping activity is not an easy task especially when you do it manually by cutting and pasting each chromosome to its respective pair. One must be a keen observer in identifying the perfect match of each chromosome. This activity will enable the student to have a deeper and wider knowledge in pairing the chromosomes as it is there were no hints or clues given to identify the chromosome’s perfect match. On the other hand, the matching up of chromosome in the web is just like playing an online game or navigating a simulation on karyotyping. It is easily for a student to identify and match up the chromosomes because one can use the hint button to know the shape of the missing pair. Also, if a certain chromosome is drag to the wrong pair, the chromosome will immediately went back to its original place in the pool on the left.

Matching up Chromosomes in a Karyotype
(completed karyotype)

Doing the karyotyping made us realize that chromosome must have their respective pair or match for an organism to be physically and mentally fit. We also realize that each individual was born uniquely from each other even if some individuals suffer from certain kind of syndrome. We should be thankful for all the blessings we receive in our daily living especially the gift of life. We must take good care of ourselves and know how to be fair in treating people around us. We must also respect those people who need special attention by encouraging them not degrading their integrity and self-esteem.

It is so amazing to know that nowadays, scientists were able to know and make a karyotype wherein they took a picture of someone's chromosomes, cut them out and match them up using size, banding pattern and centromere position as guides (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/traits/karyotype/). Karyotyping helps the field of medicine to identify different chromosomal abnormalities a person has. It also helps us to understand more about those syndrome and abnormalities a person has wherein we can adjust ourselves to them thus enable us to know certain things we must do in taking good care of them. Also, we must love everything we have, the things that surrounds us especially our life because all the things in this world are not permanent, they die and disappear.

Karyotyping Activity
(clicking and dragging)