Prelims 2020 · Science and Technology · Question 17
In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, "Pronuclear Transfer" is used for
Answer
prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring
- (a) Pronuclear transfer is not simply IVF using donor sperm. It is a specialized embryo-manipulation technique after fertilization. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (b) It does not involve genetic modification of sperm-producing cells. The technique transfers nuclear genetic material between zygotes. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (c) It is not about converting stem cells into functional embryos. That is a different area of developmental biology. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (d) In pronuclear transfer, the pronuclei from intended parents are moved into a donor egg/zygote with healthy mitochondria, helping avoid transmission of mitochondrial disorders. Verdict: Correct.