A genetic carrier is defined as a person who carries a specific gene for a particular disease but does not have the disease.Suppose both members of a couple know they are carriers for a disease that could be fatal for any child they produced.They would like to have children but are worried about the risk.Which procedure(s) might a physician recommend?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In vitro fertilization (IVF) coupled with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is the best option for the couple in this case. With PGD, embryos are created through IVF and then screened for the specific disease gene. Only embryos that do not carry the disease gene are then implanted in the mother's uterus. This greatly minimizes the risk of passing on the disease to the child. Artificial insemination and intracytoplasmic sperm injection do not involve PGD, so the risk of passing on the disease gene to the child would still be present. IVF alone could result in the implantation of embryos that carry the disease gene.

A Genetic Carrier Is Defined as a Person Who Carries