Interpreting Karyotypes Flashcards
1
Q
Why are the last two chromosomes in the karyotype
not paired?
A
Sex chromosomes (X & Y)
1
Q
What dye is used to observe chromosome banding patterns?
A
Gemsa dye
2
Q
What kinds of regions do the dark and light bands represent?
A
Dark bands = inactive regions
Light bands = active regions
3
Q
What is it about chromosome structure that leads to dark versus light banding?
A
Dark bands = regions of tightly coiled chromosomes (heterochromatin)
4
Q
TRUE or FALSE: Banding patterns are highly variable from one individual to the next within a species.
A
FALSE. While genes and alleles may vary, the banding pattern
showing active and inactive regions is highly conserved.
