Learning Objectives: Karyotypes may reveal the gender of a fetus or test for certain defects through

 Describe human karyotyping; and
 Explain the process of recombinant DNA.
Human Karyotyping
Karyotyping is a test to examine chromosomes in a sample of cells. It helps in identifying
genetic problems that cause a disorder or disease.
Some of the abnormalities associated with chromosome structure and number can be
detected by a test called karyotype, an image of full set of chromosomes of an
individual that displays the normal number, size and shape.
Karyotypes showing specific genetic disorder:
examination of cells from uterine fluid, a procedure called amniocentesis.
Take note that, to produce a karyotype, chromosomes commonly derived from
actively dividing white blood cells are stained and photographed. Cells must be
undergoing metaphase, so that the chromosomes are replicated, condensed and
visible under a microscope.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering is a process that uses lab-based technologies to alter the DNA
make up of an organism.
In agriculture, traits of plants and animals could be modified by targeted or random
mutations and that not all mutations are harmful. In recombinant DNA technology,
scientists have developed methods to move genes from one species into another. This
process uses restriction enzymes to cleave one organism’s DNA into fragments and
other enzymes to splice the DNA fragment into a plasmid or viral DNA. Transgenic
organisms are able to manufacture genetic products alien to themselves using
recombinant DNA, the process when DNA from two different species are joined
together. Genetic engineering has already been applied to bacteria, plants, and
animals. These organisms are engineered to be of use to humans.
Genetically modified organism (GMO) is an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA has
been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
Examples:
Arctic Apples, are genetically modified
where they produce less of enzyme
polyphenol oxidase, that causes the
apple to turn brown when cut up or
damaged. Thus, these apples do not
turn into brown when cut up compared
to the normal/ organic ones.

A breed of rice genetically engineered to combat vitamin A

Klinefelter’s Syndrome (XXY)
deficiency has received approval from regulators in the
Philippines. Supporters say "Golden Rice" could remedy a
condition that kills up to 250,000 children each year worldwide
Turner’s syndrome (X) and blinds twice that number, according to the World Health
Organization (Bargona,2019).