For what purpose(s) might a karyotype be prepared?

• A. To analyze protein-protein interactions
• B. To measure the rate of DNA replication
• C. To detect chromosomal abnormalities such as aneuploidy or structural rearrangements
• D. To determine the sequence of a specific gene

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a karyotype is a visual representation of an individual's complete set of chromosomes, arranged and displayed in a standard format.
2. Recognize that karyotyping is primarily used to detect chromosomal abnormalities, such as changes in chromosome number (aneuploidy) or structural rearrangements like deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations.
3. Note that karyotyping is not used to analyze protein-protein interactions, which involve studying how proteins interact at the molecular level, nor is it used to measure the rate of DNA replication, which is a biochemical process.
4. Also understand that karyotyping does not determine the sequence of a specific gene; gene sequencing techniques are used for that purpose.
5. Therefore, the main purpose of preparing a karyotype is to detect chromosomal abnormalities that can lead to genetic disorders or diseases.