GTL-Banding

GTL-Banding or just "G-Banding" stands for Giemsa/Trypsin/Leishman banding. This method of staining devised by Dr. Giemsa uses typsin to partially digest the proteins holding the chromosomes together (histones). This lets the chromosome relax, letting the Leishman stain bind to the exposed DNA.

The resulting bands are specific to each chromosome and the order and size of the band lets cytogeneticists distinguish and compare homologous pairs of chromosomes.


G-Banded Karyotype

Back to MAIN PAGE