Question

Differentiate between Symmetric and Asymmetric karyotypes?

Answer 1

The symmetric karyotype shows little differences in the size of chromosomes, whereas the asymmetric karyotype has the major differences between the large and small size of chromosome.

Complete answer:

SYMMETRIC KARYOTYPE	ASYMMETRIC KARYOTYPE
Covers small differences.	Covers larger differences.
Metacentric chromosomes are present.	Acrocentric chromosomes are present.
It is the same size.	It differs in size.
It has the median centromere.	The centromere positions are different.
Less scope of variation.	They have more scope for variation.

A karyotype is the diagram that shows the complete set of chromosomes in the nucleus of the cell. It is present in the nucleus of the eukaryotic cell. The chromosomes are visible mostly in the metaphase of the cell.
The karyotypes are useful in chromosome banding as they help in showing structural features of chromosomes. Karyotyping also helps in identification of chromosome aberrations.
The karyotyping also helps in diagnosis of parental genetic effects.
There is presence of more metacentric chromosomes in symmetric karyotype and less metacentric chromosome in asymmetric chromosomes.
The concept of symmetrical or asymmetrical karyotyping developed by Levitzky in 1931.

Note:
In symmetry karyotyping, the size of chromosome set is almost equal whereas in asymmetric karyotyping it is not equal. The main differences are based on the size, shape, components of chromosome, metacentric centromeres and the position of centromeres.
Ginkgo biloba is the example of the asymmetric karyotype. The flowering plants have mostly asymmetric types of karyotyping. As it is involved through structural chromosomal changes.