What does a karyotype represent?

A karyotype represents the chromosomal makeup of a cell, providing a visual display of an organism's complete set of chromosomes. This arrangement shows the number, size, shape, and structure of chromosomes, allowing for the identification of chromosomal abnormalities, such as deletions, duplications, or other mutations that may affect an organism's development or health.

The karyotype is typically arranged in pairs, according to size and morphology, and is used in genetic studies, prenatal screenings, and cancer research to detect any anomalies that might contribute to certain genetic disorders. The focus on chromosomal composition distinguishes karyotypes from concepts like genetic mutations, RNA sequencing, or cell function, which are related to the information held by genes and their expression rather than the structural overview provided by a karyotype.