Question

1. While the traits studied in Exercise 1 were hypothetical genetic traits, what type of genetic traits do you think are important to study and predict? Give an example of a genetic trait that is carefully monitored when two parents are creating an offspring and why it would be important to monitor.

2. Describe a karyotype and explain how it is performed.

3. Would a normal karyotype mean that a person would not have any disorder or disease in their life? Explain your answer, incorporating the definition of genetics.

Answer 1

1. There are number of disorders that are passed on from parent to offspring as they are genetically inherited. Sickle cell anemia, Haemophilia, etc are some such diseases. Inheritance of these traits is impotant to be monitered than any other traits. This is because the genetic traits can't be cured and most of them do not have any permanent cure.

One such example of genetic disease is Sickle cell anemia.

2. Karyotyping is done in a dividing cell where the chromatin is maximum condensed to form chromosomes. It is a process where the chromosomes are paired in to homologous pair and arranged in an order. For this purpose the cells are arrested in metaphase or prometaphase and the nuclei are subjected to hypotonic solution so that the nuclei burst and release the chromosomes. Then the chromosomes are stained for proper visibility under microscope. Giemsa stain is used these days to get proper banding pattern for visibility. Once they are observed under the microscope, the chromosomes are arranged to get the proper karyotype with the sex chromosmes arranged at the end.

3. Karyotyoe only tells about the structure of the chromosomes. It does not reveal any genetic defects that occur due to point mutations etc. So if the chromosome structure is normal, it does not mean that all genes are normal. So, an individual may have certain genetic disorders.

There are many genes present on one chromosome. Any defective gene can cause diseases in the body.

Study of genes and heredity is called genetics

We have to go in to genetic level to understand the diseases a person may be able to develop during the course of life.