Activity Name: Chromosome Models - Karyotyping

Target Subject: Biology

Purpose: To provide a tactile opportunity for students to construct a

karyotype, an organized model of an organism’s chromosomes,
showing the chromosome’s size and shape.

Background Information: Chromosomes in a cell are randomly

arranged, except during cell division. To study chromosomes,
scientists photograph the chromosomes while the cell is in the
process of replicating. The scientists will then cut out the pictures of
the chromosomes and organize them into pairs according to size and
shape. A popular classroom activity is to give students photographs of
human chromosomes and ask them to develop a karyotype. For a
student who lacks the vision to see photographs, the clay
chromosomes provide a tactile alternative.

The number of chromosomes in an organism’s cells varies depending

on the species of the animal. For example, the house fly has only 12
chromosomes.

Preparation: If time allows the students can be involved in the

preparation of the chromosomes by creating a variety of short snake
like shapes of various lengths and thicknesses. 26 pairs of
chromosome models are needed to create a human karyotype.
However, this is very time consuming depending on a student’s hand
skills. It is usually a better use of the student’s time to have pre-made
chromosomes ready. Also, it is very time consuming to sort and
tactually identify 26 pairs of chromosomes. The same concepts can
be taught using a karyotype of an organism that has fewer
chromosomes than a human.

Materials:
 4 to 6 ounces of play dough or clay depending on the number of
chromosomes needed. Play dough works well because it hardens
and the “chromosomes” then hold their shape.
  Smooth clean surface at least 12” by 12”. A tray works well to
define the space.
 Raised line images of karyotypes, some unsorted and others
organized into a karyotype.

Procedure:
1. Prepare “Chromosomes” prior to the lesson.
2. After listening to class discussion about karyotypes, and
reading the lesson, the student examines tactile pictures of
chromosomes both in random order and as a karyotype.
3. Given a tray of chromosome models in random order, the
student organizes the chromosomes by size and shape from
largest to smallest. The sex chromosomes are placed at the
end of the chromosome arrangement.
4. This activity could also be done using chromosomes made of
heavy paper, sorted then taped to the tray to prevent
movement.
5. Follow up discussion would include some of the factors that
scientists look for in a karyotype including missing
chromosomes and extra chromosomes.