Question

a) Where Does fertilization occur in humans? Explain the event that occurs during the process.
b) Couple where both husband and wife are producing functional gametes, But the wife is still unable to conceive, is seeking medical aid. Describe any one method that you can suggest to this couple to become happy parents.

Answer 1

Hint:Fertilization also known as generative fertilization, insemination, pollination, fecundation, syngamy and impregnation, is the fusion of gametes to give rise to a new individual organism or offspring.

Complete answer:
a) Ejaculated sperm are not ready to fertilize an egg when they enter the vagina. In response to the dilution of semen in the vagina, they undergo several changes, which are collectively known as capacitation. Entry of sperm induces completion of second meiotic division forming ovum and second polar body. The haploid nucleus of sperm and that of ovum fuses. Formation of diploid zygote takes place thereby completing the process of fertilization.

b) The suggested method for the couple is IVF.
During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer

Note:IVF is a method of assisted reproduction in which a man’s sperm and a woman’s eggs are combined outside of the body in a laboratory dish. One or more fertilized eggs (embryos) may be transferred into the woman’s uterus, where they may implant in the uterine lining and develop.