The use of gene probes in studying human reproduction and embryology.
Recent advances in molecular biology permit the analysis of gene structure and function during early embryonic development. Among the mammalian genes which are now cloned and available are several, such as chorionic gonadotrophin, fibronectin, and sequences homologous to homoeotic genes in Drosophila, which have been implicated in embryogenesis and differentiation. Gene expression in early human embryos can be analysed using in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and termination material, by RNA gel blotting and in-situ hybridization. These approaches may permit a better understanding of fertilization and of normal and abnormal embryonic development.
D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006801:Humans