Which of the following techniques is used in the test-tube baby programme?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → ZIFT (zygote intra fallopian transfer)
The test tube baby programme is in vitro fertilisation followed by embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Ova and sperms are joined outside the body in the laboratory to form a zygote. The zygote or early embryo is then placed in the woman’s body to grow further.
Option (1) IUD (intra-uterine device) — Incorrect. IUD (intra-uterine device) is a contraceptive, such as the copper T, placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It has nothing to do with helping a couple have a child.
Option (2) IUI (intra-uterine insemination). — Incorrect. IUI (intra-uterine insemination) is an assisted method in which semen from the husband or a donor is put into the uterus. Fertilisation then happens inside the body, so it is not a test tube method.
Option (3) ZIFT (zygote intra fallopian transfer) — Correct. ZIFT (zygote intra fallopian transfer) is the step that completes the test tube baby programme. The zygote made in the laboratory, or an early embryo with up to 8 blastomeres, is transferred into the fallopian tube.
NCERT Extract:
Infertility – “… In vitro fertilisation (IVF–fertilisation outside the body in almost similar conditions as that in the body) followed by embryo transfer (ET) is one of such methods. In this method, popularly known as test tube baby programme, ova from the wife/donor (female) and sperms from the husband/donor (male) are collected and are induced to form zygote under simulated conditions in the laboratory. The zygote or early embryos (with upto 8 blastomeres) could then be transferred into the fallopian tube (ZIFT–zygote intra fallopian transfer) and embryos with more than 8 blastomeres, into the uterus (IUT – intra uterine transfer), to complete its further development.”