Karyotype:

It is the name given to the whole group of characteristics that allow the identification of a particular chromosomal set; i.e. the number of chromosomes, relative size, position of the centromere, length fo the arms, secondary constrictions and satellites.

• The karyotype is characteristic of an individual, species, genus or larger grouping and may be represented by a diagram in which the pairs of homologues are ordered in a series of decreasing size called IDIOGRAM.

Techniques for Karyotyping:

1. Banding technique: Q, C, G, or R banding for animal karyotyping. C and N bands for plant karyotyping.
2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (McFISH) used to locate the position of specific DNA sequence on chromosomes:

• In Mc FISH labeling with fluorochromes allow used to one or more colours to locate the position of one or more DNA sequences simultaneously on same chromosomes

iii.          Flow cytometry: This technique allows the defection of differences as small as 1.5 to 4.0     Mbp (mega base pairs). It helps in detection of aneuploidy, duplication or deletion.