Karyotyping is a laboratory technique used to visualize and analyze the number and structure of chromosomes in a cell. It involves staining chromosomes and arranging them in pairs based on size, shape, and banding patterns. This process helps identify genetic abnormalities, such as extra or missing chromosomes, which can lead to conditions like Down syndrome or Turner syndrome. The karyotype is typically displayed as a photograph or diagram, showing all chromosomes in an organized manner. This analysis is commonly performed on cells from blood, bone marrow, or amniotic fluid, aiding in genetic diagnosis and research in fields like genetics and oncology.