A karyotype is a visual representation of an individual's chromosomes, organized and displayed in pairs. It helps scientists and medical professionals analyze the number, size, and shape of chromosomes, which are structures that carry genetic information. A typical human karyotype contains 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs, with one set inherited from each parent. Karyotyping is often used in genetic testing to identify chromosomal abnormalities, such as those associated with conditions like Down syndrome or Turner syndrome. By examining a karyotype, researchers can gain insights into genetic disorders and the overall health of an individual.