Karyotypes and DNA Fingerprinting

Genome A genome is a full set of genetic information that an organism carries in its DNA The study of any genome starts with the analysis of chromosomes. To see human chromosomes clearly, cell biologists photograph cells in mitosis, when the chromosomes are fully condensed and easy to view.

Karyotype Scientists then cut out the chromosomes from the photographs and arrange them in a picture known as a karyotype A karyotype shows the complete diploid set of chromosomes grouped together in pairs, arranged in order of decreasing size

Which karyotype is male or female?

DNA Fingerprinting Does not analyze the cell’s most important genes, which are largely identical among most people. DNA Fingerprinting analyzes sections of DNA that have little or no known function but vary widely from one another A small sample of human DNA is cut with an enzyme The fragments are separated by size using gel electrophoresis A pattern of bands is produced that can be distinguished statistically from the pattern of any other individual in the world

Gel Electrophoresis