What is amniocentesis ? Explainthe various steps involved in this technique.Write its two significances also.

Explanation

Amniocentesis-Meaning and Use. Amniocentesis is a foetal sex determination and disorder test based on the chromosomal pattern in the amniotic fluid surrounding the developing embryo.

Procedure. Amniotic fluid contains cells from the skin of the foetus and other sources. These cells can be used to determine the sex of the infant, to identify some abnormalities in the number of chromosomes and to detect certain biochemicals and enzymatic abnormalities. If it is established that the child is likely to suffer from a serious incurable congenital defect, the mother should get the foetus aborted.