LT's #4,5,6,7: quiz #1

Question 1

Family Genetics: Twins

Answer 1

• identical twins is not genetic it is random

- fraternal twins can run in family generations

Question 2

Identical Twins

Answer 2

• have the same DNA
• usually share one placenta
• grow differently based on environment
• have unique fingerprints
• one egg is released from ovary and fertilized by one sperm

Question 3

Fraternal Twins

Answer 3

• the woman’s genetics is what plays the important role (releasing 2 eggs)
• if a woman is a fraternal twin she is 2.5x more likely to have twins
• gene that makes women more likely to release more than one egg during ovulation
• this gene can be inherited from mom
• 2 eggs are released from ovaries and each is fertilized by separate sperm
• each embryo implants in womb separately
• separate placentas and separate inner sacs

Question 4

What causes infertility or fertility issues in females?

Answer 4

• most cases have to do with ovulation problems
• blocked Fallopian tubes
• physical problems with the uterus
• uterine fibroids
• age decreases a woman’s chance of having a baby: her ovaries become less able to release eggs, she has a smaller number of eggs left, her eggs are not as healthy, she is more likely to have health conditions, she is more likely to have a miss-carriage

Question 5

What causes infertility or fertility issues in males?

Answer 5

• veins on testicles that are too large causing the testicles to overheat, which can damage the number of shape of the sperm
• factors that cause him to make few sperm or none at all
• injuries or damage to reproductive system block the movement of sperm
• genetic disorders
• sperm can be affected by a man’s overall health and lifestyle: alcohol, drugs, age, environmental factors, radiation, chemo, sickness

Question 6

Prenatal Testing

Answer 6

• testing for a genetic disorder that occurs prior to birth
• increases risk associated with age (over 35)
• collecting and observing fetal cells
• Amniocentesis: fluid from the amniotic sac is extracted with a large needle and used to prepare a Karyotype
• amniotic fluid drawn with a needle under ultrasound guidance

Question 7

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Answer 7

• used to increase sperm and egg production
• improve the chances of fertilization
• enhance likelihood of implantation and development

Question 8

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Answer 8

• stimulation of the ovaries using hormonal medication to increase egg production
• retrieval of eggs from the ovaries
• fertilization of eggs outside the body
• transfer of the embryo into the uterus where it will hopefully implant and mature

Question 9

Artificial Insemination

Answer 9

• placement of sperm in the reproductive tract of a female
• sperm sample is “washed” to concentrate the sperm and inserted into the uterus
• fresh or frozen sperm can be used