Karyotypes can be studied to determine an organism’s chromosomal makeup and to detect genetic defects. patau syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 13, giving them three copies. symptoms of patau syndrome include extra digits, seizures, and cleft palate. which word would geneticists use to describe the cause of patau syndrome?

a.) diploidy
b.) homologous
c.) heterozygous
d.) trisomy

The correct answer is -

D.) trisomy.

Explanation:

Patau syndrome can be described as a genetic disorder that is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 13.

In other words, when a person has three copies of chromosome 13 instead of normal two copies, this disorder is developed.

It occurs due to abnormal cell division during reproduction. As there are three copies of chromosome 13, therefore it is also called Trisomy 13.

Thus, option D) is the right answer.