Question

Read the sources given and answer any four from the questions given below:

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic technique in which a sample of amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus of a pregnant women to detect the early development of foetus. Amniotic fluid surrounds the foetus in the womb. It protects the foetus and acts as a shock absorber. This fluid contains some of the foetal cells and is used to find out if your baby has any genetic abnormalities. This type of amniocentesis is usually performed in the second trimester, typically between 11 and 15 weeks. A small amount of amniotic fluid is collected by using a long, thin needle. This fluid surrounds and protects the foetus while in the womb. The benefits of amniocentesis are the diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and developmental disorders of foetus like thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, Down's syndrome, spina bifida and cystic fibrosis. However, it is being misused for sex determination of foetus that leads to female foeticides. Therefore, there is a statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex determination so as to keep a check on the female foeticides.

1. Which is the recommended time to perform amniocentesis?
   1. 8-11 weeks
   2. 11-15 weeks
   3. 14-17 weeks
   4. 16-18 weeks
2. The technique used in amniocentesis is to
   1. study foetal cells from amniotic fluid
   2. study maternal cells from amniotic fluid
   3. study placental cells
   4. study the foetal cells from uterus
3. Which of the following diseases cannot be detected by amniocentesis?
   1. Thalassemia
   2. Down's syndrome
   3. German measles
   4. cystic fibrosis
4. Amniocentesis is banned unless advised by the doctor or necessary, because
   1. it uses amniotic fluid
   2. it is misused for sex determination
   3. it can cause genetic abnormality
   4. it can cause Down's syndrome
5. The function of amniotic fluid is to
   1. provide oxygen
   2. remove wastes
   3. act as a shock absorber
   4. remove carbon dioxide

Answer 1

1. 11-15 weeks
2. Study foetal cells from amniotic fluid
3. German measles
4. It is misused for sex determination
5. Act as a shock absorber