Karyotype case analysis
Wed, Oct 28, 2026 · Week 10 · Principles of Biomedical Technology (Principles of Biomedical Science)
Today's goal: Students individually arrange and interpret a karyotype to identify a chromosomal abnormality in a patient case.
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Karyotype lab (a practice patient, not your case and not the practice patient on your sheet):
- SOP followed: cut out each chromosome piece, sort by size (largest to smallest), match centromere position and banding pattern, place each pair in its numbered slot, sex chromosomes last.
- Variables: independent variable is the patient's chromosome set; dependent variable is the final count and arrangement.
- Count: 47 chromosomes.
- Result: 21 normal autosome pairs, three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two, and XX (written 47,XX,+21).
- Finding in one sentence: this practice patient has 47 chromosomes with XX sex chromosomes and an extra copy of chromosome 21.
- Abnormality, stated as the finding: a change in chromosome number, one extra whole chromosome 21, so the pair is a trio.
- Procedural limitation: if two chromosomes have similar size and banding, I could mis-pair them, which would produce a false reading; a piece trimmed short while cutting makes this worse.
This model shows the level of evidence and organization needed to complete: A finished karyotype template with chromosome pairs ordered per the SOP, the abnormality stated as a finding, and one stated procedural limitation.
- State the question and method.
- Present the observations and data with units.
- Explain the result, limitations, and next investigation.
Keep the structure. Replace the question, facts, measurements, and evidence. Then recheck units, vocabulary, and whether the conclusion goes beyond the evidence.
Also due today: Photograph the template with your count, finding and limitation, and submit it as one PDF to Schoology assignment for this lesson in Schoology before the period ends.
Turn in: Your completed practice karyotype on the template with numbered pairs, the total chromosome count, a one-sentence finding, and one stated procedural limitation.
Go to Schoology to turn this in.
Submit one PDF. Schoology attaches your name to your upload; on the page itself, write your period and code. Name the file: FirstName LastName - Assignment Title - YYYY-MM-DD.pdf.
Open Schoology PDF upload helpIf you cannot get in, see Mr. Mendoza. Do not skip the work.
Claim ceiling: Today's evidence supports a classroom claim about karyotype case analysis. It cannot prove causation, diagnose a real patient, or justify action outside this room.
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.
It builds this reusable test skill: Pairing chromosomes correctly and naming a procedural error source.
- Name the concept or data pattern being tested.
- Cross out choices that violate that rule or the evidence.
- Justify the best remaining choice before checking the answer.