Final answer:
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF), designed to screen embryos for genetic conditions before implantation, used to help prevent genetic diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a form of biotechnology associated with the fertility technology of in vitro fertilization (IVF). PGD involves the screening of human embryos conceived outside the mother's body before they are implanted back into the uterus. This technique is commonly used to test embryos for genetic diseases such as sickle cell disease, muscular dystrophy, and hemophilia, where detrimental alleles have been identified. By selecting embryos without these alleles, the chances of preventing the disease are significantly increased.
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology widely used for various reasons, including infertility, where the egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory setting. The fertilized eggs or embryos can be frozen for future use or implanted when they reach a viable stage, typically the eight-cell stage. IVF can also involve techniques like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to aid fertilization when standard IVF is not successful. Although IVF and PGD help many to conceive, the procedures are expensive and not commonly covered by insurance, limiting their accessibility.
The use of PGD represents a significant advancement in reproductive technology, providing hope for many who may otherwise face the risk of transmitting genetic disorders to their offspring.