What is the term for a micrograph of the array of chromosomes visible in a cell during metaphase, arranged in homologous pairs and in order of diminishing size?

What is the term for a micrograph of the array of chromosomes visible in a cell during metaphase, arranged in homologous pairs and in order of diminishing size?

• A. Genotype
• B. Chromosome
• C. Genome
• D. Karyotype

Answer: (D)

A karyotype describes the organized image of a cell’s chromosomes arranged by size, with homologous pairs lined up from largest to smallest. This is done using a metaphase spread because chromosomes are condensed and clearly visible, making it possible to pair them and order them accurately. A karyotype is not about an individual’s genotype (the specific genetic variants they carry), nor the genome (the entire genetic material of the organism), nor a single chromosome itself. It’s the complete, orderly picture of all the chromosomes in a cell.

A karyotype describes the organized image of a cell’s chromosomes arranged by size, with homologous pairs lined up from largest to smallest. This is done using a metaphase spread because chromosomes are condensed and clearly visible, making it possible to pair them and order them accurately. A karyotype is not about an individual’s genotype (the specific genetic variants they carry), nor the genome (the entire genetic material of the organism), nor a single chromosome itself. It’s the complete, orderly picture of all the chromosomes in a cell.