Question

In which technology sperm is directly injected into the ovum?
(a) IUT
(b) ICSI
(c) ZIFT
(d) GIFT

Answer 1

Hint: An assisted reproductive technique that is used in the person with problems such as a decrease in sperm count. An embryo is transferred to the uterus.

Complete answer:
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is one of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). In this process, sperm is directly injected into the ovum using a microscopic needle to form an embryo in the laboratory. This method is employed to assist the problem of low sperm count.

Additional Information: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is used to assist the couple who are unable to develop a zygote by natural technique.
- Some of the important techniques employed in ART are In Vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT), Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and Artificial Insemination (AI).
- In IVF-ET, fertilization of the ovum by sperm is done outside the body of the woman and the formed embryo is transferred into the mother’s uterine.
- In ZIFT, the ovum is fertilized outside the body and the formed zygote is transferred into the mother’s fallopian tube.
- In GIFT, the donor ovum is collected and is transferred into the fallopian tube for fertilization. This technique is used for women who are unable to produce ova due to defects or diseases in the ovum.
- In ICSI, sperm is directly injected into the ovum with the help of a microscopic needle to form an embryo in the laboratory. Later this embryo is transferred into the uterus of the fallopian tubule.
- In AI, semen is collected from the healthy donor/husband and is injected into the uterus. This technique is used in males who have low sperm count.
So, the correct answer is ‘ICSI’.

Note: In some women, they have a problem in conceiving or providing a suitable environment for embryo development. In such conditions surrogacy is suggested where ovum and sperm are collected from the parents and fertilized. Zygote or embryo is transferred into another woman.