Name: ______________________________________ Date: ________________________
Student Exploration: Human Karyotyping
Vocabulary: autosome, chromosomal disorder, chromosome, 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?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
