Unit A Reproduction
Unit A Reproduction
Unit A Reproduction
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4A<br />
Investigation<br />
The Human Karyotype<br />
The genetic material in human cells is contained in<br />
46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. A karyotype<br />
is used to organize and analyze the genetic material<br />
of individuals.<br />
Question<br />
What information can you obtain from a human<br />
karyotype?<br />
Experimental Design<br />
In this investigation, you will use an image of human<br />
chromosomes to construct a karyotype.<br />
Materials<br />
• image of human chromosomes<br />
• scissors<br />
• glue<br />
• paper<br />
• marker<br />
Procedure<br />
1. Cut out all the individual chromosomes.<br />
2. Arrange the chromosomes in homologous<br />
pairs. What features can you use to arrange<br />
them into pairs?<br />
3. Once you have matched the chromosomes, arrange<br />
them in ordered pairs, as shown in Figure 1.<br />
INQUIRY SKILLS<br />
Questioning<br />
Hypothesizing<br />
Predicting<br />
Planning<br />
Conducting<br />
Recording<br />
Analyzing<br />
Evaluating<br />
Synthesizing<br />
Communicating<br />
4. Paste your chromosome pairs, in order, on a<br />
blank sheet of paper.<br />
5. Number your chromosome pairs from 1 to 23.<br />
6. Compare your karyotype with your classmates’<br />
karyotypes. Indicate the gender of each of your<br />
classmates’ karyotypes.<br />
Analysis<br />
(a) How many pairs of chromosomes have you<br />
matched?<br />
(b) Did all the chromosomes have a matching<br />
partner? If not, explain why.<br />
(c) Is your karyotype male or female? Explain how<br />
you know.<br />
Evaluation<br />
(d) What features of the chromosomes did you use<br />
to match them?<br />
(e) Are there other features you could have used?<br />
(f) Were there any chromosomes that were difficult<br />
to match?<br />
Synthesis<br />
(g) What type of information can be gained from<br />
a karyotype?<br />
(h) Would karyotypes from the same family look<br />
the same? Explain.<br />
(i) Why would it be useful to compare karyotypes<br />
of family members?<br />
2000X<br />
Figure 1 A human karyotype. The homologous pairs are numbered.<br />
NEL<br />
Chapter 4 Investigation 139