Summary
Agents such as thalidomide, alcohol and rubella virus that cause birth defects by disrupting development.
In depth
Examples: thalidomide, alcohol (fetal alcohol syndrome), isotretinoin, rubella virus, Zika virus, and high maternal diabetes. Sensitivity depends on timing and dose.
Teratogenic effects depend on dose, timing and genetics. Thalidomide's tragedy led to modern drug testing laws. Folic acid is protective.
Common mistake: harm is greatest in weeks 3 to 8, often before pregnancy is recognised.
Frequently asked questions
What is Teratogens?
Agents such as thalidomide, alcohol and rubella virus that cause birth defects by disrupting development.
Which area of biology covers Teratogens, and how advanced is it?
Teratogens is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Fetal Development, Neurulation, Maternal Effect Genes.
Can you give an example of Teratogens?
Thalidomide caused about 10,000 babies to be born with limb defects in the 1950s and 60s.
What should I learn before Teratogens?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Teratogens. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Teratogens?
The closest topics to Teratogens are Fetal Development, Neurulation, Maternal Effect Genes, Left-Right Asymmetry. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Teratogens?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Teratogens. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Teratogens different from Fetal Development?
Teratogens: Agents such as thalidomide, alcohol and rubella virus that cause birth defects by disrupting development. Fetal Development: In humans the embryo becomes a fetus after eight weeks, growing until birth around nine months. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
What is a common mistake about Teratogens?
Harm is greatest in weeks 3 to 8, often before pregnancy is recognised.
How should I study Teratogens step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Fetal Development and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.