karyotyping

[ kar-ee-uh-tahy-ping ]
/ ˈkær i əˌtaɪ pɪŋ /

noun

the analysis of chromosomes.

Origin of karyotyping

First recorded in 1960–65; karyotype + -ing1

Words nearby karyotyping

Scientific definitions for karyotyping

karyotype
[ kărē-ə-tīp′ ]

Noun

An organized visual profile of the chromosomes in the nucleus of a body cell of an organism. Karyotypes are prepared using cells in the metaphase stage of cell division, when chromosomal strands have coiled together and duplicated, rendering them easily visible under a microscope after staining. Photomicrographs of the stained chromosomes are then arranged in a standard format according to size, the relative position of the centromere, and other criteria. The normal human karyotype consists of 46 chromosomes.

Verb

To prepare the karyotype of an organism.