Chromosome Recognition.

Chromosomal analysis of human cells serves to characterize aberrations of chromosome number and structure. Individual chromosome can be identified precisely by recognition of its morphological characteristics and staining patterns according to specific landmarks, regions, and bands as described in the ideogram. Since the quality of metaphases obtained from malignant cells is generally poor for karyotyping, a practical and accurate chromosome recognition training guide is mandatory for a trainee or newly employed cytogenetic technologist in a cancer cytogenetics laboratory. The most distinguishable bands for each chromosome are described in detail in this chapter with an aim to facilitate quick and accurate karyotyping in cancers. This is an indispensable chromosome recognition guide used in a cancer cytogenetics laboratory.