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?)
You have two sets of chromosomes because you get one from each parent.
2. How do you think different people’s chromosomes would compare?
There would be different combinations in genes and different crossing over options.
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?
The chromosomes get smaller and smaller
2. Examine the chromosomes labeled x and y. How do these two chromosomes
compare?
The x chromosomes is much larger than the y chromosomes.
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?)
You have two sets of chromosomes because you get one from each parent.
2. How do you think different people’s chromosomes would compare?
There would be different combinations in genes and different crossing over options.
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?
The chromosomes get smaller and smaller
2. Examine the chromosomes labeled x and y. How do these two chromosomes
compare?
The x chromosomes is much larger than the y chromosomes.
