Which stage of cell division is used to perform the karyotype technique?

The karyotype technique is performed during metaphase because this is the stage in cell division where chromosomes are most condensed and clearly visible. During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, making it easier to capture images and analyze their structure and number.

At this stage, the chromatin has condensed into distinct chromosomes, which can then be stained to highlight their banding patterns, allowing for the observation of chromosomal abnormalities, such as duplications, deletions, or translocations, which are important in genetic studies and disease diagnosis. The clarity of chromosome visibility in metaphase is essential for accurately determining the karyotype, which is the complete set of chromosomes in an organism.

Other stages, such as prophase, anaphase, and telophase, do not offer the same clarity for chromosome analysis, as the chromosomes are either still condensing (prophase) or are in the process of separating (anaphase and telophase). Thus, metaphase is crucial for the karyotype technique due to the optimal visualization of chromosomes.