12/16 Flashcards
1
Q
teratogens
A
agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm.
2
Q
fetal alcohol syndrome
A
- Persistent heavy drinking puts the fetus at risk for congenital (present at birth) disabilities, future behavior problems, and lower intelligence.
- marked by lifelong physical and mental abnormalities. The fetal damage may occur because alcohol has an epigenetic effect: It leaves chemical marks on DNA that switch genes abnormally on or off.