Chromosome Probes At The University Of Toronto
Beginning of paper
Sensitive chromosome probes recently discovered by a University of
Toronto geneticist will make it easier to detect certain types of genetic
and prenatal diseases, as well as being used to determine paternity and
provide forensic evidence in criminal cases.
Probes are short pieces of DNA whic ....
Middle of paper
.... and technically difficult to do, are restricted to women
over 35 and those who have a family history of chromosomal abnormalities.
Prenatal tests using Willard's probes would be much simpler and faster to
perform and could be available to all pregnant women who wish to take
advantage of the technology.
Current prenatal testing involves growing fetal cells in vitro and
examining them, over one or two months, to see if there are two copies of a
particular chromosome, which is normal, or ....
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Page count: 3 (approximately 250 words per page)