Diagnostic Techniques Amniocentesis- 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 oviduct Harvesting 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 male Eggs 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 IVF Benefits Drawbacks Couples unable to conceive naturally are now given the opportunity to do so Expensive Stressful Limited success Natural selection? Too much control?

Cloning Cloning 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