NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 3: Reproduction in animals

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"IVF" or In Vitro Fertilisation is a technique used when:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe uterus is unable to hold the developing baby.
BThe oviducts are blocked, preventing sperms from reaching the egg.
CThe sperms are unable to swim due to lack of tails.
DThe ovaries fail to produce eggs.

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

The oviducts are blocked, preventing sperms from reaching the egg.

Explanation

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) wherein the fertilization of the ovum (egg) by the sperm takes place outside the female body, typically in a laboratory culture dish (in vitro means "in glass"). The resulting zygote or embryo is subsequently transferred into the woman's uterus.

Detailed Analysis

The uterus is unable to hold the developing baby. is Incorrect: If the uterus is unable to hold or sustain a developing fetus (e.g., due to structural anomalies or a thin lining), IVF alone does not solve the problem. In such cases, surrogacy (gestational carrier) is typically required to carry the pregnancy to term.
The ovaries fail to produce eggs. is Incorrect: If the ovaries fail to produce eggs (ovarian failure or menopause), standard IVF using the patient's own gametes is impossible. This condition would necessitate the use of donor eggs.
The oviducts are blocked, preventing sperms from reaching the egg. is Correct: The primary anatomical indication for IVF is blocked or damaged oviducts (fallopian tubes). In a natural process, fertilization occurs within the fallopian tube. If these tubes are blocked, sperm cannot reach the egg. IVF bypasses this blockage by collecting eggs directly from the ovaries, fertilizing them externally, and implanting the embryo directly into the uterus.
The sperms are unable to swim due to lack of tails. is Incorrect: While IVF (specifically with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI) is used for male infertility issues like poor motility, the specific description of "lack of tails" refers to a severe structural defect. The most direct and fundamental application of general IVF described in basic biological texts is to overcome physical barriers like blocked oviducts.

Key Takeaway

IVF is the standard medical intervention used to bypass blocked fallopian tubes, allowing fertilization to occur externally when natural fusion of gametes is physically obstructed.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Reproduction in animals

With reference to the development of the embryo in humans, consider the following statements: 1. The embryo gets embedded in the wall of the uterus for further development. 2. The stage where body parts like hands and eyes can be identified is called the zygote. 3. The embryo completes its full development into a baby within the fallopian tube. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

In the context of human reproduction, what is the primary distinction between a zygote and a foetus?

medium

In the context of hen reproduction, consider the following statements: 1. Hens undergo internal fertilisation. 2. The hard shell of the egg is formed after the egg is laid. 3. The embryo takes about 3 weeks to develop into a chick. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the development of a chick, which one of the following statements is correct?

easy

Consider the following statements distinguishing Viviparous and Oviparous animals: 1. Viviparous animals are those that lay eggs. 2. Oviparous animals lay eggs which later develop into young ones. 3. Frogs and hens are examples of oviparous animals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is

The oviducts are blocked, preventing sperms from reaching the egg.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis

The uterus is unable to hold the developing baby. is Incorrect: If the uterus is unable to hold or sustain a developing fetus (e.g., due to structural anomalies or a thin lining), IVF alone does not solve the problem. In such cases, surrogacy (gestational carrier) is typically required to carry the pregnancy to term.
The ovaries fail to produce eggs. is Incorrect: If the ovaries fail to produce eggs (ovarian failure or menopause), standard IVF using the patient's own gametes is impossible. This condition would necessitate the use of donor eggs.
The oviducts are blocked, preventing sperms from reaching the egg. is Correct: The primary anatomical indication for IVF is blocked or damaged oviducts (fallopian tubes). In a natural process, fertilization occurs within the fallopian tube. If these tubes are blocked, sperm cannot reach the egg. IVF bypasses this blockage by collecting eggs directly from the ovaries, fertilizing them externally, and implanting the embryo directly into the uterus.
The sperms are unable to swim due to lack of tails. is Incorrect: While IVF (specifically with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection or ICSI) is used for male infertility issues like poor motility, the specific description of "lack of tails" refers to a severe structural defect. The most direct and fundamental application of general IVF described in basic biological texts is to overcome physical barriers like blocked oviducts.

Key Takeaway

IVF is the standard medical intervention used to bypass blocked fallopian tubes, allowing fertilization to occur externally when natural fusion of gametes is physically obstructed.