Question

Teratogens are a. substances that can cause birth defects. b. genes that turn on or off with exposure to viruses. c. inborn fetal taste preferences. d. factors that influence the generation of fetal brain tissue.

Short answer

a. Substances that can cause birth defects.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Term 'Teratogens'

First, we need to understand what 'teratogens' are. The word 'teratogens' refers to environmental agents or factors that cause anatomical or functional anomalies in a developing fetus. They can lead to birth defects or other developmental issues.

Analyzing Each Option

Next, we consider each option: - Option a states 'substances that can cause birth defects,' which aligns with the definition of teratogens. - Option b mentions 'genes that turn on or off with exposure to viruses,' which does not fit the definition at all. - Option c refers to 'inborn fetal taste preferences,' which is unrelated to teratogens. - Option d suggests 'factors that influence the generation of fetal brain tissue,' which may sound related but does not directly correspond to the action of causing birth defects.

Choosing the Correct Option

Given the definition of teratogens and our analysis of each option, we determine that the best match is option a. Teratogens are indeed substances that can cause birth defects in a developing fetus.

Key concepts

Birth Defects

Birth defects are serious conditions that affect the structure, function, or metabolism of a baby, and they are present at birth. These defects can be caused by a range of factors, including genetic disorders, environmental influences, or a combination of both. Some birth defects can be obvious at birth, like physical abnormalities, while others may require tests to be identified.

Teratogens play a significant role as environmental agents leading to birth defects. When teratogens interfere with fetal development, they can result in functional or structural abnormalities that manifest as birth defects. Suprisingly, common substances like alcohol or certain medications can act as teratogens.

• Physical birth defects include heart defects, cleft lip and palate, and spina bifida.
• Functional or developmental birth defects affect the way a part of the body works, like hearing loss or cognitive impairments.

Many birth defects can be minimized or avoided through genetic counseling, prenatal care, and avoiding known teratogens during pregnancy.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology is a field of psychology that studies the growth and development of humans over the course of their lifespan. It involves understanding how people develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally from infancy through adulthood.

A crucial aspect of developmental psychology is studying the prenatal phase, where fetal development occurs. This phase includes exploring how various factors impact a child's development before birth.

• Genetic factors: Inherited characteristics that can influence development.
• Environmental influences: Teratogens fall into this category, as they can significantly hinder normal development.
• Parental factors: Age, health, and lifestyle of the parents can impact prenatal development.

By exploring these factors, developmental psychologists can better understand how early life experiences impact later development, and how to support optimal growth during pregnancy.

Fetal Development

Fetal development is the process by which a human embryo or fetus gestates during pregnancy. This process is typically divided into three trimesters, each with significant growth and changes.

During the first trimester, the foundations of organs and structures are laid down. The second trimester is marked by fast growth and detail refinement, like the development of fingerprints and hair. The final trimester prepares the fetus for birth, with substantial brain development and weight gain.

• Embryonic stage: First 8 weeks, crucial for the basics like brain and heart.
• Fetal stage: Starts in the 9th week with rapid organ growth.

Teratogens can interfere at any stage of these developments but are often most harmful during the first trimester when the foundations of the organs are being formed. Ensuring a healthy environment in these stages is crucial for the prevention of developmental issues. Understanding the critical periods of fetal development can help caregivers make informed choices to support prenatal health.