Human Karyotyping Simulation SE - Exploration
Activity Guide
Student Exploration: Human Karyotyping
Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.
Vocabulary: autosome, chromosomal disorder, chromosome, genome, karyotype, sex chromosome
Prior Knowledge Question (Do this BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
A chromosome is a rod-shaped structure made of coils of DNA. Most human cells have 23 pairs of
chromosomes.
1. Why do you think humans have two sets of 23 chromosomes? (Hint: Where did each set come
from?)
2. How do you think different people’s chromosomes would compare?
Gizmo Warm-up
Scientists use karyotypes to study the chromosomes in a cell. A
karyotype is a picture showing a cell’s chromosomes grouped together
in pairs.
In the Human Karyotyping Gizmo, you will make karyotypes for five
individuals. Take a look at the SIMULATION pane. Use the arrows to click
through the numbered list of chromosomes at the bottom right of the
pane.
1. How does the appearance of the chromosomes change as
you move through the list?
2. Examine the chromosomes labeled x and y. How do these two
chromosomes compare?
You have two sets of chromosomes because you get one from each parent.
There would be different combinations in genes and different crossing over
options.
The chromosomes get smaller and smaller
The x chromosomes is much larger than the y chromosomes.
