Sperm sorting

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Sperm Sorting

Sperm sorting is a means of choosing the sex of an offspring by separating male and female sperm based on their differences in mass. The technique is used in both human and animal reproduction.

Pronunciation

/spɜːrm ˈsɔːrtɪŋ/

Etymology

The term "sperm sorting" is derived from the English words "sperm", which comes from the Greek word "sperma" meaning seed, and "sorting", which originates from the Old Norse word "sortr" meaning fate or lot.

Process

Sperm sorting involves the separation of X-chromosome (female) and Y-chromosome (male) bearing sperm. This is achieved through a process known as flow cytometry. The sperm are stained with a fluorescent dye, which binds to the DNA within the sperm. As the X chromosome is larger, it absorbs more dye and thus fluoresces more brightly. The sperm are then passed through a laser beam, and the differing amounts of fluorescence can be detected and used to separate the sperm into X and Y-chromosome bearing populations.

Applications

Sperm sorting is used in artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to increase the chances of having a child of a desired sex. It is also used in animal breeding to produce offspring of a desired sex.

Related Terms

See Also

External links

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