What is in vitro fertilisation (IVF)?

The correct answer is Option (3) → Fertilisation outside the body.

In vitro means “in glass”, that is, outside the living body. In IVF, ova and sperms are collected and made to form a zygote in the laboratory, in conditions almost like those in the body. The embryo is then transferred into the female. The method is popularly called the test tube baby programme.

Option (1) Fertilisation inside the body. — Incorrect. Fertilisation inside the body of the female is in vivo fertilisation, the natural way.

Option (2) Embryo formation without fertilisation. — Incorrect. IVF does involve fertilisation. A zygote is formed in the laboratory from an ovum and a sperm.

Option (3) Fertilisation outside the body. — Correct. IVF is fertilisation outside the body in almost similar conditions as that in the body.

Option (4) Prevention of fertilisation. — Incorrect. IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps infertile couples have children. It does not prevent fertilisation.

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.”