With reference to "Test-tube babies", consider the following statements: 1. The fertilisation takes place outside the female body. 2. The complete development of the baby takes place in a test tube. 3. The zygote is allowed to develop for about a week outside before being placed in the uterus. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation The term "Test-tube baby" refers to the technique of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat infertility, where fertilization occurs outside the female body in a controlled laboratory environment, followed by the transfer of the embryo into the uterus for development. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: In this procedure, ova from the female and sperm from the male are collected and induced to form a zygote under simulated conditions in a laboratory. Since the fusion of gametes takes place outside the body, it is termed in vitro fertilization. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The term "test-tube baby" is a misnomer implying the fetus grows in a laboratory vessel. In reality, only the fertilization and initial cell division occur in the laboratory. The embryo is transferred into the mother's uterus, where the complete gestation and development of the baby take place naturally. - Statement 3 is Correct: After fertilization, the zygote is allowed to divide and develop in the culture medium for a short period (typically 2 to 6 days, often reaching the blastocyst stage). Once it reaches the appropriate stage of development, the embryo is transferred into the female uterus (Intra-Uterine Transfer) or fallopian tube (Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer) to establish pregnancy. Key Takeaway In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves external fertilization (in a laboratory) but internal development (in the uterus). The baby does not develop in a test tube.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 3: Reproduction in animals

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With reference to "Test-tube babies", consider the following statements:

The fertilisation takes place outside the female body.
The complete development of the baby takes place in a test tube.
The zygote is allowed to develop for about a week outside before being placed in the uterus.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The term "Test-tube baby" refers to the technique of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat infertility, where fertilization occurs outside the female body in a controlled laboratory environment, followed by the transfer of the embryo into the uterus for development.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: In this procedure, ova from the female and sperm from the male are collected and induced to form a zygote under simulated conditions in a laboratory. Since the fusion of gametes takes place outside the body, it is termed in vitro fertilization.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The term "test-tube baby" is a misnomer implying the fetus grows in a laboratory vessel. In reality, only the fertilization and initial cell division occur in the laboratory. The embryo is transferred into the mother's uterus, where the complete gestation and development of the baby take place naturally.
Statement 3 is Correct: After fertilization, the zygote is allowed to divide and develop in the culture medium for a short period (typically 2 to 6 days, often reaching the blastocyst stage). Once it reaches the appropriate stage of development, the embryo is transferred into the female uterus (Intra-Uterine Transfer) or fallopian tube (Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer) to establish pregnancy.

Key Takeaway

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves external fertilization (in a laboratory) but internal development (in the uterus). The baby does not develop in a test tube.

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

Keep practising Chapter 3: Reproduction in animals

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: In this procedure, ova from the female and sperm from the male are collected and induced to form a zygote under simulated conditions in a laboratory. Since the fusion of gametes takes place outside the body, it is termed in vitro fertilization.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The term "test-tube baby" is a misnomer implying the fetus grows in a laboratory vessel. In reality, only the fertilization and initial cell division occur in the laboratory. The embryo is transferred into the mother's uterus, where the complete gestation and development of the baby take place naturally.
Statement 3 is Correct: After fertilization, the zygote is allowed to divide and develop in the culture medium for a short period (typically 2 to 6 days, often reaching the blastocyst stage). Once it reaches the appropriate stage of development, the embryo is transferred into the female uterus (Intra-Uterine Transfer) or fallopian tube (Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer) to establish pregnancy.

Key Takeaway

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves external fertilization (in a laboratory) but internal development (in the uterus). The baby does not develop in a test tube.