Normal Karyotypes


Typical Normal Karyotype


This is an example of a typical normal male karyotype at the 550 band level. The homologous pairs of chromosomes are arranged according to size, banding pattern, and centromere location. Each chromosome can then be compared band-for-band with it's homolog to search for any changes in chromosome structure that might have occurred. This karyotype is written as: 46,XY. The key to the karyotype description is as follows:
  • 46:  the total number of chromosomes (46 is normal).

  • XY:  the sex chromosomes (male). A female would have two X chromosomes.


The following image is an example of a male karyotype at the 650 band level, which shows much more detail compared to the 550 band level karyotype shown above.


650 Band Level Karyotype



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