Which one of the following is tested by the technique of amniocentesis...
Amniocentesis is a technique used for determining the sex of the foetus and a process to determine any hereditary or congenital disease in the embryo.
Which one of the following is tested by the technique of amniocentesis...
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic technique that involves the removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding the developing fetus. The amniotic fluid contains cells shed by the fetus, which can be analyzed to provide information about the health and development of the fetus.
Amniocentesis is typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy and is primarily used to test for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. However, it can also provide information about biochemical abnormalities and errors of metabolism in the fetus.
Chromosomal Abnormalities:
- Chromosomal abnormalities are genetic disorders caused by changes in the number or structure of chromosomes. Examples of chromosomal abnormalities include Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome.
- During amniocentesis, a sample of the amniotic fluid is collected and the fetal cells present in the fluid are analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities.
- The cells are cultured in a laboratory and their chromosomes are examined under a microscope to detect any abnormalities.
- This information can help parents and healthcare providers make informed decisions about the pregnancy and plan for the care of the child if a chromosomal abnormality is detected.
Biochemical Abnormalities:
- Biochemical abnormalities in the fetus can be caused by metabolic disorders, which are genetic conditions that affect the body's ability to break down and process certain substances.
- During amniocentesis, the amniotic fluid can be tested for the presence of specific biochemical markers that may indicate the presence of a metabolic disorder in the fetus.
- For example, elevated levels of certain enzymes or metabolites in the amniotic fluid may suggest the presence of a metabolic disorder.
- This information can help parents and healthcare providers make decisions about the management and treatment of the fetus and plan for the care of the child after birth.
Errors of Metabolism:
- Errors of metabolism are genetic disorders that affect the body's ability to convert food into energy or eliminate waste products.
- Some errors of metabolism can be detected through the analysis of amniotic fluid obtained during amniocentesis.
- By analyzing the levels of specific enzymes or metabolites in the amniotic fluid, healthcare providers can identify the presence of certain metabolic disorders in the fetus.
- This information can be used to guide prenatal management and plan for the care of the child after birth.
In summary, the technique of amniocentesis is used to test for chromosomal abnormalities, biochemical abnormalities, and errors of metabolism in the fetus. Therefore, the correct answer is option D - all of the above.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.