AMNH Genetic and Genomic in Nursing Practice Exam

Teratogens are defined as environmental factors that can disrupt normal development in an embryo or fetus, leading to malformations and developmental abnormalities. In the context of genetics, teratogens have the potential to interact with genetic predispositions. This means that while they are external agents, their effects can vary depending on the genetic makeup of the developing individual. For example, certain genetic factors may make an embryo more susceptible to the harmful effects of a teratogen, which can result in a range of outcomes from mild anomalies to more severe developmental conditions.

Factors commonly classified as teratogens include certain medications, infections, drugs, alcohol, radiation, and various chemicals. The timing of exposure during pregnancy is crucial, as different stages of development may be particularly sensitive to the presence of teratogens.

In contrast, genetic mutations involve changes in the DNA sequence itself and can lead to inherited diseases, making the first choice inaccurate in this context. The third choice regarding inherited traits does not address the external environmental influences that teratogens represent. The fourth choice, while somewhat related to fetal health, mischaracterizes teratogens as medical treatments. Treatments are generally intended to improve health, not cause malformation, which distinguishes them from teratogens.