Question

All the following are uses of amniocentesis, but one is misuse. Which one is misuse?

• A. The centres for genetic counselling offer amniocentesis on request to women for chromosome analysis
• B. This technique has been developed for detecting foetal abnormalities by analyzing chromosomal defects
• C. It is used to study metabolic defects of foetus like PKU (phenylketonuria)
• D. It is done to examine the sex of the foetus

Answer 1

The correct option is D It is done to examine the sex of the foetus

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test which is used to detect genetic disorders in the foetus. In this test, a little amount of amniotic fluid which surrounds the foetus in the womb is collected. This fluid consists of foetal cells and dissolved substances. The foetal cells are analysed and the chromosomal pattern of the foetal cells reveals if the foetus has got any genetic disorders such as phenylketonuria.
It is also used illegally to determine the sex of the foetus which has been linked to increased number of female foeticides.