What is a key feature of a karyotype?

A karyotype is a visual representation of an individual's complete set of chromosomes, typically organized and displayed in pairs, which allows for the examination of the chromosomal makeup of an organism. This organized display provides insights into chromosomal abnormalities, variations in chromosome number, and structural changes in chromosomes, which are essential for diagnosing genetic conditions and understanding hereditary diseases. The arrangement of chromosomes in a karyotype is usually based on size, shape, and the position of the centromere, giving researchers and medical professionals a comprehensive view of the chromosomal structures present in the cells of an organism. This makes it a vital tool in genetics and cytogenetics for understanding normal and abnormal chromosome patterns.