Karyotyping As I Reflect It

Cut n' Paste Karyotyping Retrieved from www.learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/traits/karyotype/

O’Connor (2013) had reported that karyotyping is the process of pairing and ordering all the chromosomes of an organism. It provides a genome-wide view of an individual’s chromosomes.  It helps us know what particular chromosome is damaged or excessed. With this, we will be able to identify what kind of genetic disorder does a person has. Genetic disorders may include trisomy, polyploidy and the like. Knowing what kind of genetic disorder does a person has, experts will be able to know what measures to be used on the particular disorder. Genetic disorders are often seen after childbirth but on the latter case it can be detected as early as conception through the use of gene therapy. This therapy is a booning technology that promises a better way of avoiding or treating genetic disorders.

On the karyotyping we did, we were able to see a normal genetic make-up of a human being having 23 pairs of chromosomes. On the other hand, having a slight difference on the karyotype would mean there is something wrong with the genetic make-up. This could put us into a conclusion that the genetic make-up has a genetic disorder which is an alarming state and needs an immediate treatment or therapy. Before I encountered karyotyping in Science, Technology and Society (STS), we did a karyotyping activity in General Biology 2. In contrast, General Biology 2 karyotyping was indeed tasky and a bit difficult rather than this activity. In the past karyotyping activity, we were be able to manage and compare the karyotypes of a genetic make-up with T-21, T-13, Super Female (XXX) and the like. Going back to the topic, I am very much privileged to do this activity again since I had recalled some of the ideas of karyotyping. Memories are such important for us. If some which are not used, it would perish gradually. This activity had taught me a few things:

Example of a Finished Karyotype

•  Karyotypes are used to detect what specific chromosome is impaired.
•  Knowing such things, it needs an immediate attention and therapy.
• Recalling knowledge such this is vital to have a better understanding on the human genome.
• We should be thankful and blessed that we are one of the exemptions to those people having genetic disorders.
• We should respect the people who have genetic disorders because they didn't mean to have this. It was such given to them by nature and what we can do is accept them whole-heartedly.

Reference:

O'Connor, C. (2008) Karyotyping for chromosomal abnormalities. Nature Education 1(1).