Which term describes the complete set of chromosomes in a cell, typically displayed in metaphase?

• A. Chromatid
• B. Genome
• C. Karyotype
• D. Meiosis

Answer: (C)

This term refers to the full set of chromosomes in a cell, typically captured as a visual snapshot when the chromosomes are most easily seen. In practice, a karyotype is created by arresting cells in metaphase, when chromosomes condense and align at the cell’s center, then arranging the chromosomes by size, banding pattern, and centromere position. This organized image provides a comprehensive view of chromosome number and structure, allowing detection of abnormalities such as extra or missing chromosomes or large rearrangements.

Chromatid is one duplicate copy of a chromosome after DNA replication, not the entire chromosomal complement. Genome means the entire genetic material of an organism, including DNA sequences, and is not a metaphase image. Meiosis is the cell division that produces gametes, reducing chromosome number, and is not a static representation of a cell’s chromosomes.