Q. Which of the following cannot be detected in a developing foetus by amniocentesis :
(a) Jaundice
(b) Klinefelter syndrome
(c) Sex of the foetus
(d) Down syndrome
Solution :
Correct Option : A Amniocentesis includes extraction of amniotic fluid by insertion of the needle through the abdomen into the uterus and amniotic sac during 14-16 week old pregnancy. Amniotic fluid contains amniotic membrane cells and fetus skin cells which are then cultured to detect any chromosomal anomaly in the foetus by analysing chromosomal aberration/defects and also for disclosing the sex of the foetus. DNA from amniotic fluid can be used to create DNA profile of fetus by DNA fingerprinting and its matching with the suceptible father can also solve the paternity issue. The presence of one or more extra copy of X-chromosome in males causes Klinefelter Syndrome; being a genetic disorder it can be detected by amniocentesis. Jaundice is metabolic disorder and can not be detected using amniocentesis. Thus, the correct answer is option A.