Biotechnology is very commonly used for the reproduction of animals, including humans. These technologies have existed for well over 60 years. Reproduction-related animal biotechnologies have greatly improved numerous agriculturally significant features in animals. Artificial insemination was the first technological method used to enhance reproduction and spread better genetics in farm animals, but many more have been created over time. Reproductive cloning and the development of transgenic animals are the most recent examples of these emerging technologies.
Human Reproduction
IVF and PGT Testing
Lately, biotechnologies surrounding human reproduction have been on a high rise. For example, in vitro fertilization, which is more commonly known as IVF. This process is referred to in vitro fertilization because the process occurs outside of the body. It is a very well-known type of assisted reproductive technology that helps to treat fertility and possibly genetic issues, as well as help with the conception of a child. This form of technology incorporates medications as well as surgical processes to help the sperm fertilize an egg. The fertilized egg is then implanted in the uterus. The whole cycle takes two weeks, and the eggs, as well as the embryos from the procedure, can also be frozen.
The process begins with the administration of FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone. This is administered to stimulate follicle production in the ovaries. After this process is complete, mature eggs from the ovaries and the sperm sample are retrieved. The outside of the body fertilization begins here, as the fertilization of the egg by the sperm is done on a laboratory dish. This procedure then creates an embryo. Later, the embryos (one or more), are then planted in the uterus.
Another form of biotechnology paired with IVF is Preimplantation Genetic Testing, also known as PGT. This test is a genetic screening that can be run on embryos created through IVF before the embryos have been transferred. This test utilizes modern molecular cloning techniques to look for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in early embryos from individuals with hereditary, age-related, or other disorders. Some of the candidates for this test include women who are over the age of 37, individuals with a history of recurrent miscarriages (that are caused by chromosomal abnormalities), as well as couples that run the risk of passing on their inherited genetic diseases to their child.
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