What is the purpose of karyotyping?

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The purpose of karyotyping is primarily to count the number of chromosomes in a cell. This process involves analyzing the chromosomal composition of an individual, usually through a complete set of chromosomes arranged in a standard format. By doing so, karyotyping can help detect chromosomal abnormalities, such as those that could lead to genetic disorders or conditions like Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra chromosome 21.

In addition to counting chromosomes, karyotyping allows for the examination of the structure of each chromosome, thus facilitating the identification of possible duplications, deletions, or translocations of pieces of chromosomes, which can be critical in diagnosing various genetic conditions and cancers. Unlike measuring protein levels, identifying bacterial strains, or observing gene expressions, karyotyping focuses specifically on chromosome structure and number, making it a vital tool in genetics and medical diagnostics.

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