Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Successful implementation of various action plans to attain reproductive health requires strong infrastructural facilities, professional expertise and material support. These are essential to provide medical assistance and care to people in reproduction-related problems like pregnancy, delivery, STDs, abortions, contraception, menstrual problems, infertility, etc. Implementation of better techniques and new strategies from time to time are also required to provide more efficient care and assistance to people. Statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex-determination to legally check increasing menace of female foeticides, massive child immunisation, etc., are some programmes that merit mention in this connection. In aminocentesis some of the amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken to analyse the fetal cells and dissolved substances.
Why is the amniocentesis technique used?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → To test for the presence of certain genetic disorders in the foetus
Amniocentesis takes a sample of the amniotic fluid around the developing foetus. Its fetal cells and dissolved substances are analysed. NCERT says the test is used to find out whether certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, haemophilia and sickle-cell anaemia, are present.
Option (1) To test for the presence of certain genetic disorders in the foetus — Correct. This is the purpose of amniocentesis given in NCERT.
Option (2) To check whether ovulation has occurred in the mother — Incorrect. Amniocentesis examines the foetus through the amniotic fluid. It tells nothing about ovulation in the mother.
Option (3) To count the sperms in the ejaculate of the father — Incorrect. A low sperm count is a cause of infertility in the male partner. It is treated by artificial insemination, and amniocentesis has no role here.
Option (4) To transfer an early embryo into the fallopian tube — Incorrect. Transfer of a zygote or early embryo into the fallopian tube is ZIFT (zygote intra fallopian transfer), an assisted reproductive technology.
NCERT Extract:
Reproductive Health – Problems and Strategies – “… In aminocentesis some of the amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken to analyse the fetal cells and dissolved substances. This procedure is used to test for the presence of certain genetic disorders such as, down syndrome, haemoplilia, sickle-cell anemia, etc., determine the survivability of the foetus.”