mikroinjektioin

Mikroinjektioin, a Finnish term, translates to "microinjection" in English. It is a laboratory technique used to introduce substances into a cell, typically a zygote or an oocyte, using a fine needle or micropipette. This method is commonly employed in various biological and biomedical research settings, particularly in the field of assisted reproduction and genetic engineering.

The process of microinjection involves immobilizing the cell to be injected, often on a holding pipette, and then carefully inserting a micropipette containing the desired substance. The substance can range from DNA constructs for creating genetically modified organisms to sperm for in vitro fertilization. Due to the microscopic scale of the cells and the precision required, microinjection is performed under a microscope with specialized equipment.

One of the primary applications of microinjection is in the production of transgenic animals. By injecting foreign DNA into the pronucleus of a fertilized egg, researchers can create animals that carry specific genes. This technology has been instrumental in studying gene function, developing disease models, and producing animals with desirable traits for agricultural or pharmaceutical purposes. In human medicine, microinjection, specifically intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), is a key technique in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to overcome male infertility. It involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, increasing the chances of fertilization. The precision and control offered by microinjection make it a powerful tool in manipulating and understanding cellular processes and in advancing reproductive science.