Question 1: Explain the basic scientific principle behind in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Answer: IVF involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the human body in a laboratory setting, then implanting the fertilised embryo into the uterus.

Question 2: What are the main steps involved in the IVF process?

Answer: Egg collection from the ovaries, fertilisation with sperm in the laboratory, embryo culture, and transfer of the embryo into the uterus.

Question 1: Describe how hormonal treatments are used in IVF to stimulate ovulation.

Answer: Hormonal treatments like FSH and LH are administered to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs simultaneously.

Question 2: Identify the role of the culture medium in IVF.

Answer: The culture medium provides nutrients and a controlled environment for fertilised eggs to develop into embryos.

Question 1: If a woman receives 10 injections of FSH over 10 days, each containing 75 IU, what is the total dose administered?

Answer: 750 IU

Question 1: List two ethical issues associated with IVF.

Answer: Possible embryo destruction and the selection of embryo traits raise ethical concerns.

Question 2: Propose one safety precaution that should be taken during the handling of human gametes in IVF laboratories.

Answer: Using sterile equipment to prevent contamination and infection.

Question 1: A study reports that out of 100 IVF cycles, 70 resulted in successful pregnancy. Calculate the success rate as a percentage.

Answer: 70%

Question 2: What factors could contribute to variations in IVF success rates between different clinics?

Answer: Factors include patient age, quality of eggs and sperm, laboratory techniques, and embryo transfer protocols.

Question 1: Discuss how advancements in genetic screening can improve the success rate of IVF treatments.

Answer: Genetic screening allows for the selection of embryos without genetic disorders, increasing the likelihood of successful pregnancies and healthy births. It also helps prevent the transfer of embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, thereby improving overall IVF success rates.