Related Concept Videos
In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
CRISPR
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short...
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells were first discovered in mice in 1981 by Martin Evans. In 1998, James Thomson identified a method to isolate embryonic stem cells from humans. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are obtained from 3-5 day old embryos that remain unused after an in vitro fertilization procedure.
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming
Nuclear reprogramming is a process of transforming one cell type into an unrelated cell type by epigenetic changes that alter the cell’s original gene expression pattern. Such epigenetic changes force cells to express a different set of genes, which play a significant role in inducing transformation into other cell types. Nuclear reprogramming offers applications in reproductive cloning for livestock propagation and regenerative medicine — developing patient-specific cells for injury repair.
In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Forced Transdifferentiation
Transdifferentiation, also known as lineage reprogramming, was first discovered by Selman and Kafatos in 1974 in silkmoths. They observed that the moths’ cuticle-producing cells transformed into salt-producing cells. Many such cases of natural transdifferentiation occur in organisms. In humans, pancreatic alpha cells can become beta cells. In newts, the loss of the eye’s lens causes the pigmented epithelial cells to transdifferentiate into the lens cells.
Artificial transdifferentiation occurs...
Artificial transdifferentiation occurs...
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Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

10:59
Human Blastocyst Biopsy and Vitrification
Published on: July 26, 2019
Catholic Bioethics Perspectives on In Vitro Gametogenesis Technology.
Alexis Heng Boon Chin1, Teofilo Giovan S Pugeda2
1Singapore Fertility Consultancy Pvt Ltd., Chinatown, Singapore.
The Linacre Quarterly
|July 9, 2026
Summary
In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) can create human gametes from somatic cells, posing ethical dilemmas. Catholic bioethics suggests IVG risks commodifying life and altering family structures, requiring careful consideration.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Background:
- In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) offers potential for deriving human gametes from somatic cells.
- This technology presents significant ethical, legal, and social challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore Catholic bioethics perspectives on IVG.
- To evaluate proposed IVG applications against theological principles.
- To assess ethical implications of IVG for various reproductive scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of IVG applications through the lens of Catholic moral theology.
- Examination of principles like sanctity of life, marriage, and procreation.
- Critical assessment of therapeutic and controversial IVG uses.
Main Results:
- IVG applications for infertility and genetic disease prevention are examined.
- Controversial uses like posthumous reproduction and genetic enhancement are critically assessed.
- Tension exists between alleviating infertility and upholding the natural reproductive order.
Conclusions:
- Broader IVG applications risk commodifying human life and advancing eugenics.
- IVG may challenge traditional family structures and necessitate robust oversight.
- Ethical reflection is crucial for navigating the complexities of IVG technology.

