A karyotype is an organized profile of a person's chromosomes. In a karyotype, chromosomes are arranged and numbered by size, from largest to smallest. This arrangement helps scientists quickly identify chromosomal alterations that may result in a genetic disorder.

To make a karyotype, scientists take a picture of someone's chromosomes, cut them out and match them up using size, banding pattern and centromere position as guides.

Play the animation below to see how this happens. Then try it yourself in the activities to the right.

Using karyotypes to predict genetic disorders?

Try it yourself!

Matching up chromosomes in a karyotype.

(interactive version)

Match up chromosome pairs

(print version)

1. Print this pdf of the chromosomes
2. Cut the chromosomes out
3. Arrange them in pairs
4. Check your work against the completed karyotype