Teratogens

Question 1

What are teratogenic agents?

Answer 1

Any agents that produce abnormalities in the developing embryo, e.g. radiation, chemicals, drugs and infectious organisms
◦ Can affect pregnant woman directly, soon-to-be pregnant
woman or mutate the reproductive cell

Question 2

The stage of development of an embryo determines what?

Answer 2

The susceptibility of specific organ
systems to teratogens

Question 3

Known human teratogens

Answer 3

• Accutane, Ace inhibitors, alcohols, androgens, Anticonvulsants, cigarette, cocaine, hyperthermia, lithium, Vitamin A

Question 4

Example of human teratogens used in class

Answer 4

Thalidomine

Question 5

What is thalidomide and what are its effects?

Answer 5

• A drug that was prescribed during the late 1950s and 60s
• Developed as a sleeping pill and would help pregnant women but instead inhibited vessel growth in children.