The Birds And The Bees Flashcards
IVF meaning and definition
In vitro fertilisation: process in which fertilisation takes place out body (in vitro) and embryo is implanted into uterus for development
IVF process
- Ovarian stimulation hormone therapy (helps ovaries produce more eggs)
- EggS retrieved from ovaries using needle
- Sperm collection, washed and concentrated
- EggS and sperm fertilise in incubator
- Cells divide to form embryo
- Implant embryo in uterus to hopefully grow
IVF Advantages
- Allows infertile couples to have baby
- Genetic screening allows detection of unwanted genetic diseases to lower health issue rates
IVF Disadvantages
- Increased chance of multiple pregnancy risk –> Risks health of mother and babies
- Expensive (approx. $15 000 per cycle)
IVF Ethical issues
- Creation of multiple embryos, what happens when no longer needed?
- Discarding embryos violates sanctity of life (Christianity)
- Life starts at concept belief: killing embryo = murder
Cloning definition
Process of making a genetically identical copy of an organism
Types of cloning + definitions
Natural cloning: identical twins form when embryo splits and developed into 2 OR binary fission; type of asexual reproduction when organism divides into two, each with a copy of genetic material (e.g. bacteria, strawberries)
Reproductive cloning: deliberate reproduction of genetically identical individuals.
Process of reproductive cloning
- Take body cell from somatic cell donor (organism being cloned)
- Get egg cell from egg donor
- Remove nucleus and DNA from egg cell
- Transfer nucleus + DNA from body cell and fuse it with egg cell using electrical current triggering cell division
- Implant egg into surrogate mother where it will grow and be identical to somatic cell donor
Cloning ethical issues
- Considered animal abuse due to mutations leading to lower life expectancy
- Violates sanctity of life by artificially creating life (playing “God”)
Cloning advantages
- Can preserve endangered species
- Allows for breeding of farm animals with more desirable traits
Cloning disadvantages
- Clones often have health issues (developmental abnormalities, shortened lifespans)
- Reduces genetic diversity, negatively impacts adaptability and resilience of populations
Stem cells definition
Undifferentiated cells without a specific function or structure, when differentiated, becomes more specialised cell type, changing structure according to new function
Stem cell types
Adult/somatic and embryonic
Somatic stem cell definition
Multipotent, differentiates into all cell types in one lineage (the tissue or organ it resides in), found in various tissues (i.e. bone marrow or fat)
Embryonic stem cell definition
Pluripotent, able to develop into any cell type in body, derived from early stage embryos (blastocysts)
Stem cell advantages
Potential to treat wide range of diseases and injuries
Adult stem cell specific advantage examples
Used to replace cells in tissues and organs
e.g. bone marrow transplant replaces bone marrow not producing enough healthy blood cells with healthy blood-forming stem cells to treat leukaemia
Stem cell disadvantages
- Observed mutations have risk of turning into cancer cells
- Cells derived from donor can be rejected by patient’s immune system (results in inflammation, destruction of foreign cells perceived as threat by body)
Stem cells ethical issues
- Expensive (only wealthy countries can afford, widening economic disparities globally)
- New research = unknown long-term side effects = exploiting patients
Ovary purpose
Releases egg around middle of menstrual cycle (ovulation), makes oestrogen and progesterone
Fallopian tube purpose
Channels for egg transport and fertilisation where egg and sperm meet, connects to uterus
Uterus purpose
Where fertilised egg implants during pregnancy and baby develops
Vagina purpose
Passageway for blood and mucosal tissue from uterus to leave body during menstrual period. Holds sperm until passed into uterus, muscular tube where baby travels during birth
Testes purpose
Makes sperm, produces testosterone
