Teratogenesis (Noun)
Meaning
The development of defects in an embryo.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Teratogenesis occurs when environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals or radiation disrupt normal fetal development, resulting in congenital anomalies.
- Understanding the mechanisms of teratogenesis is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies for birth defects.
- Certain medications have been shown to increase the risk of teratogenesis when taken during pregnancy, particularly those used to treat cancer or seizure disorders.
- Thalidomide, a drug that was widely used in the 1950s and 1960s, is a notorious example of teratogenesis, causing severe limb deformities in thousands of babies born to mothers who took the medication.
- Studying teratogenesis can also provide valuable insights into normal developmental biology, helping scientists understand how cells, tissues, and organs form and differentiate.