Reproductive Technologies

Diagnostic TechniquesAmniocentesis-•Performed during high-risk pregnancies (those at risk for birth defects)

•Using ultrasound as a guide, a small, thin needle is inserted into the uterus through the abdomen

•A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed and analyzed for genetic abnormalities

Diagnostic Techniques cont’d.Karyotype•After an amniocentesis, the fetal cells obtained from the amniotic fluid are grown and incubated in a laboratory

•Chromosomes in these cells are then analyzed under a microscope

•Images are taken so that chromosomes can be matched up to determine the presence or absence of an abnormality

Diagnostic Techniques cont’d.Ultrasound-

•Ultrasonic waves bounce off of fetus to produce an image

•These images are used to monitor progress of the developing fetus such as organ development and limb proportions

In vitro fertilization (IVF)In vitro is Latin for “in glass”This term is used because fertilization takes

place in a Petri dish, not in the oviductHarvesting eggs:

The female is given injections to stimulate the production of mature eggs in ovary

Progress of maturation is monitored via blood tests and ultrasound

When mature, eggs are harvested using a fine needle guided by ultrasound

In vitro cont’d.Sperm is collected from the maleEggs are inspected along with sperm,

searching for ones that are most likely to be viable

Sperm and eggs are placed in a Petri dish to allow for fertilization with the aid of a nutrient rich solution

The dish is kept in an incubator overnight and analyzed via microscope for signs of fertilization

Embryos are inserted into the vagina via catheter and the woman is instructed to rest upon arriving home

A pregnancy test is given around two weeks later and the woman is given progesterone to help maintain the uterine lining in preparation for the pregnancy

Benefits & Drawbacks of IVFBenefits DrawbacksCouples unable to

conceive naturally are now given the opportunity to do so

ExpensiveStressfulLimited successNatural selection?Too much control?

CloningCloning is the creation of a genetically

identical offspring from an organism that typically reproduces sexually.

Some early cloning involved that of tadpoles.Other, more complex organisms such as

sheep, cows and pigs have since been cloned with varying success