[Campbell Biology P.338] In amniocentesis, fetal cells for genetic testing are obtained. Whe... | Practice Question

In amniocentesis, fetal cells for genetic testing are obtained. Where do these cells come from?

  • A: They are directly drawn from the fetus with a needle.
  • B: They are isolated from a sample of the mother's blood.
  • C: They are sloughed off from the fetus into the amniotic fluid.
  • D: They are obtained from a sample of the placenta.

Explanation

Figure 14.19a shows that in amniocentesis, a sample of amniotic fluid is withdrawn. This fluid contains fetal cells that have been sloughed off shed by the fetus. These cells are then centrifuged and cultured for testing.