Final answer:
Characteristics used to match chromosomes during karyotyping include chromosome length, band location, and centromere position, which are identified by staining the chromosomes and arranging them based on size.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics used to match chromosomes include chromosome length, band location, and centromere position.
Chromosomes are stained using dyes such as Giemsa stain to reveal unique banding patterns. These patterns, the size of chromosomes, and the location of the centromere are critical for identifying chromosomes during karyotyping. A karyotype displays homologous pairs of chromosomes arranged from longest to shortest. Experienced geneticists use these characteristics to visually match chromosomes and organize them into a karyogram.