ABSTRACT
Sugandh i A. Tharapel Veterans Affairs Medical Center and The University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee
Avi rachan T. Tharapel The University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee
I. INTRODUCTION
The history of human cytogenetics began with the discovery of the correct diploid chromosome number (46) in man ( 1 ,2). This discovery was not only of monumental significance in the understanding of chromosomal variations and aberrations, it formed the backbone of present-day human genetics, pro viding answers to human problems such as behavior, reproduction, aging, and an array of genetically determined conditions . It has been estimated that one of every 1 00 newborn will have a chromosome rearrangement, and nearly one-third of all pediatric hospital admissions are because of a genetic disorder. The launching of an international project to map the entire human genome by the year 2005 is a testimonial to the role that human genetics has played in the understanding and prevention of human diseases.
