Cell portraits

Testimonials for Chromosome Portraits

Cell Portraits

FAQ

 

What are chromosomes?
Chromosomes are long strands of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) that are coiled around proteins called histones. When a cell in your body divides into two cells (mitosis), the packaging of the DNA into chromosomes is required to efficiently partition the DNA equally among the two new cells. If the DNA were not wound up into these structures, the DNA may become a tangled mess and the cell would not be able to divide.


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How many chromosomes do I have?
Human beings typically have 23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46. A karyotype (shown below) is a picture of homologous chromosomes that have been arranged by certain characteristics such as size, shape, and stain-banding patterns. Karyotypes, which depict the total number of chromosomes, are used to detect chromosomal abberations and to identify the sex of an individual. Pictured below is a karyotype of an human female, identified by the presence of two "X" sex chromosomes.

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How do I know that the chromosomes in the picture are actually my chromosomes?
The most direct way to confirm that the chromosomes in the Cell Portrait are your chromosomes is to have a DNA fingerprint test performed on the microscope slide that was used to produce your portrait. The slide of your blood cells that is used to make your Chromosome Portrait will be included with the final chromosome print. The slide contains a sufficient amount of your DNA that can be analyzed by a certified independent laboratory. Commercial home DNA fingerprint tests are available that can be modified for this application.

A simpler but less conclusive technique is to determine if the chromosome set (karyotype) is male or female. Normal human chromosome sets contain 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. Normal female karyotypes contain two X chromosomes, whereas males have both an X and a Y chromosome. The Y chromosome looks similar to chromosomes 21 and 22. So males can be identified by counting 5 small Y-shaped chromosomes (2 of #21, 2 of #22, and 1 of Y). A female set of chromosomes, which lack the Y chromosome, will only have 4 small Y-shaped chromosomes (2 of #21, 2 of #22, and no Y).


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Will my Chromosome Portrait include all of my chromosomes?
Our priority is to provide you with an image of all of your 46 chromosomes in each Cell Portrait, however the number of chromosomes is only one of the criteria that we use to judge the artistic quality of each chromosome spread. Other qualities that we consider for selecting a chromosome spread include the uniqueness of the spreading pattern and the clarity of resolution due to the different condensation states of the chromosomes. As a result, we cannot guarantee that your portrait will contain all 46 chromosomes. It may even contain more.

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Can I obtain any diagnostic information from my Chromosome Portrait?
No. We make no claim that our products can be used for diagnosing any disease or identifying inherited genetic traits. We use a general stain to visualize the chromosomes that doesn't allow for unambiguously distinguishing the different chromosomes. We recommend contacting your primary care physician, a reputable karyotyping facility, or a cytogenetics laboratory if you are concerned with any health or hereditary matters.

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Can I get a Chromosome Portrait of my pet?
Yes. The method we use to obtain chromosomal spreads can be used on almost any mammal. Cell portraits of animals are distinct from human cell portraits in that the number of chromosomes varies among different species of animals. For example, humans have 46 chromosomes, dogs have 78, cats have 38, and guinea pigs only have 16.


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What is included in the shipping charge?
The shipping charge is applied to three shipping transactions: 1. Sending the blood collection kit to the customer, 2. Return of the blood sample to Cell Portraits via overnight shipping, and 3. Delivery of the finished portrait. In the event that the blood collection process needs to be repeated, NO additional charges will be added to the order.
The shipping and handling charge is subject to change due to the increased delivery costs.

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On what type of paper or canvas are the chromosomes printed?

Paper: We use a high quality, acid-free paper with 50% rag showing a natural white finish and a soft-textured surface matte.
Weight: 210 g/m2 Thickness: 13.4 mil
Archival rating: 200 years


Canvas: We use a professional grade canvas with a white poly-cotton weave, a thick canvas texture, and an acid-free coating.
Weight: 430 g/m2 Thickness: 21.0 mil
Archival rating: 200 years

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The FAQ page is currently under construction. More questions and answers will be available shortly. If you have any questions, please email Cell Portraits at contact@cellportraits.com for the answers.