Cytogenetics is the branch of genetics that focuses on the structure, function, and behavior of chromosomes, providing insights into heredity, development, and disease. It examines chromosome number, morphology, and organization using techniques such as karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), spectral karyotyping, and chromosomal microarray analysis to detect genetic disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, cancer-associated genomic changes, and prenatal or reproductive anomalies. Cytogenetics bridges classical genetics with modern molecular approaches, helping to understand gene regulation, chromosome stability, evolution, and mechanisms underlying disease. It plays a vital role in clinical diagnostics, prognosis, and personalized medicine, guiding therapeutic decisions and management strategies. Advances in genomic technologies, imaging, and molecular cytogenetics have expanded the scope and precision of chromosomal analysis, enabling detailed exploration of structural and numerical variations. By integrating cytogenetic knowledge with clinical and molecular data, this field enhances our understanding of chromosome biology, disease etiology, and the development of targeted interventions for improved patient care.
- Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization
- Chromosome Harvesting
- Cancer Cytogenetics
- Cytogenetic Analysis
- Cell Biology
- Comparative Genomic Hybridization