Q10 - Teratogenesis

Question 1

What is a teratogen?

Answer 1

An agent that can cause non-inheritable birth defects

Question 2

What are endocrine disruptors?

Answer 2

A type of teratogen that affects the endocrine system during development

Question 3

What is atrazine?

Answer 3

A pesticide that has adverse effects on amphibians in the local environment

Question 4

What effect does atrazine have on male frogs?

Answer 4

Decreases sperm production and fertility

Question 5

What effect does atrazine have on male toads?

Answer 5

Leads to development of Bidder’s organ (similar to ovary)

Question 6

What is the cause of atrazine’s effects on amphibians?

Answer 6

Endocrine disruption effects that lead to the increased production of aromatase enzyme

Question 7

What does aromatase do?

Answer 7

Converts androgens into oestrogens

Question 8

What would high aromatase levels do to a male amphibian exposed to atrazine?

Answer 8

Lowered testosterone levels and increased oestrogen levels, resulting in development of female reproductive structure and demasculinisation