Glossary of Genetic Terminology

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K

KARYOTYPE:
The term used to describe an individual's chromosomes that have been photographed through the microscope and then arranged according to a standard classification based on their group and size.

Kb:
A segment of DNA which is 1,000 base pairs in length.

KLINEFELTER SYNDROME:
A genetic condition that results in excessive copies of the X chromosome (usually two) in a male (47,XXY), instead of the usual chromosome set for males (46,XY). Many males with Klinefelter syndrome are intellectually impaired, have underdeveloped testes and infertility (inability to father children), and may be taller than average (see Genetics Fact Sheet 31).