Question

In reproduction of a test tube baby
A) Fertilization is done outside the body
B) Fetus is grown in a test tube
C) Fertilization is done inside the body
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Louise Joy Brown, born on 25 July 1978, was the first test-tube baby. This has been described as one of the most remarkable medical breakthroughs of the 20th century.

Complete answer:
A test-tube baby is a product of human reproduction with the medical intervention and manipulation of the gametes (male and female) for successful fertilization. This term “test-tube baby” has been subjected to a lot of controversies as it involved artificial methods.
Steps for the test tube baby process:

Egg production with hormones- The woman is given GnRH and gonadotropins to promote synchronous growth and maturation of follicles inside the ovaries. Final maturation of the eggs are done by the injection of HCG 36 hours before egg collection.
Eggs retrieved from ovary- Using an ultrasound vaginal probe with a fine hollow needle attached to it, the eggs are aspirated out of the woman’s ovaries.
Sperm collection- Fresh semen sample is collected on the same day of the egg retrieval. Sperms undergo sperm wash and healthy sperms are collected.
Eggs and sperms allowed to fertilize- Both the gametes (male and female) are mixed together in a petri dish and then placed for incubation for a few days. During this period, signs of fertilization and growth of the embryos are checked.
Fertilized eggs introduced into the uterus- With a fine catheter, two or three embryos are transferred into the uterus of the woman. Progesterone and HCG are administered daily to strengthen and support the uterine lining and increase the possibility of implantation.
As seen in the above steps, the baby is conceived outside the body i.e. in-vitro fertilization has taken place.

Hence, the correct option is A, “Fertilization is done outside the body”.

Note: There is no difference between test-tube baby and in-vitro fertilization. This is a type of assisted reproductive technology used for infertility treatment and gestational surrogacy.