teratogens and their effects

Question 1

teratogen

Answer 1

an agent that can disturb the development of an embryo or fetus

Question 2

types of teratogens

Answer 2

Drugs and chemicals
Industrial pollutants
Hormones
Infectious agents

Question 3

thalidomide

Answer 3

Caused blood vessels in limbs to “leak” causing damage to cells in the AER of the early limb bud and FGF signalling is affected– proximal structures don’t develop

Question 4

antibiotics that are teratogens

Answer 4

• tetracyclines
• streptomycin
• gentamicin

Question 5

other prescribed drugs

Answer 5

• epilepsy medication
• methotrexate (folic acid inhibitor)
• vitamin a

Question 6

alcohol

Answer 6

Fetal alcohol syndrome

Mums who are chronically alcohol dependent /binge drinkers are at risk.

May affect between 1-5% of all live births

Question 7

fears of fetal alcohol syndrome

Answer 7

Facial differences
Low birth weight
Small head circumference
Developmental delay
Memory issues
Behavioural issues

Question 8

fetal alcohol syndrome development during pregnancy

Answer 8

Alcohol crosses placenta

Fetal liver not fully developed – cannot metabolise alcohol

Fetus has high blood alcohol concentration

Lacks oxygen and nutrients
White matter development affected

Question 9

weeks 3-8

Answer 9

Organ systems are becoming established
Most teratogens are highly effective at this stage
Each organ system has its own period of maximum sensitivity