Question

Choose the correct statement regarding GIFT to overcome infertility.

• A. Ova collected from a female donor are transferred to the uterus of an infertile female.
• B. Early embryos with up to 8 blastomeres are transferred into the fallopian tube of an infertile female.
• C. It is the transfer of an ovum collected from a donor into the fallopian tube of another female who cannot produce ovum but can provide suitable environment for fertilization and development.
• D. Early embryos with up to 8 blastomeres are transferred to the uterus of an infertile female.

Hint:

Logic Tip: The acronym holds the answer! \textbf{G}amete = Ovum/Sperm (not an embryo). \textbf{I}ntra \textbf{F}allopian = goes into the fallopian tube (not the uterus). Therefore, GIFT is strictly the transfer of an unfertilized egg into the tube.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
This question focuses on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and specifically asks for the correct definition and procedural description of GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer) used to assist infertile couples.
Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
The approach involves breaking down the medical acronym and its physiological requirements:
1. Gamete: This refers to unfertilized eggs (ova) or sperm (not embryos).
2. Intra Fallopian: The destination of the transfer is the fallopian tube.
3. Transfer: The surgical movement of the gamete.
4. Requirement: The mother must have a healthy uterus and tubes to support in-vivo fertilization and pregnancy.
Step 3 : Detailed Explanation:

The Procedure: In GIFT, an ovum (egg) is surgically retrieved from a donor or the patient and then immediately placed into the recipient's fallopian tube along with the male's sperm.

Target Patients: This method is specifically designed for women who are unable to produce their own viable eggs but have a functional reproductive tract that can facilitate natural fertilization and support a 9-month pregnancy.

In-vivo vs. In-vitro: Unlike IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization), in GIFT, the fertilization of the egg by the sperm happens naturally inside the woman's body within the fallopian tube.

Differential Diagnosis of Methods:
Transfer of a zygote/early embryo (up to 8 cells) to the tube is ZIFT.

Transfer of an embryo (more than 8 cells) to the uterus is IUT.

Transfer of unfertilized gametes (egg/sperm) to the tube is GIFT.


Step 4 : Final Answer:
GIFT involves the transfer of a donor ovum into the fallopian tube of a female who can support a natural pregnancy but cannot produce her own eggs. Thus, the correct answer is option (C).