What is a karyotype?

A karyotype is essentially a visual representation of an organism's complete set of chromosomes, arranged systematically. Specifically, in humans, a karyotype displays the chromosomes in pairs, organized by size and morphology. This arrangement typically includes detailing the number of chromosomes, the position of the centromeres, and any structural abnormalities that may be present.

This is crucial for genetic studies, as examining the karyotype can help identify chromosomal abnormalities, such as aneuploidies (like Down syndrome, which is the result of an extra chromosome 21) or structural changes that may lead to genetic disorders.

Other options, although they touch on important genetic concepts, do not accurately define what a karyotype is. For example, a map of an entire genome refers more to a complete genetic blueprint, while measures of genetic diversity pertain to variations within populations, and tests for genetic disorders may involve various techniques beyond just analyzing the karyotype.