Teratogens are defined as environmental agents that can cause abnormalities by disrupting the formation of which structures?

Teratogens are defined as environmental agents that can cause abnormalities by disrupting the formation of which structures?

• A. Growth of limbs
• B. Body parts and major organs
• C. Skin color
• D. Hair texture

Answer: (B)

Teratogens disrupt development during pregnancy, especially during organogenesis when the embryo is forming its body parts and major organs. By interfering with cell growth, differentiation, and tissue shaping, these agents can produce congenital abnormalities in the structures that will become the body's organs and limbs. That broad target—body parts and major organs—best captures the kinds of defects teratogens cause. Traits like skin color or hair texture are not the primary structures formed during this critical period, and while limb development can be affected, the question points to the wider impact on major organ formation.

Teratogens disrupt development during pregnancy, especially during organogenesis when the embryo is forming its body parts and major organs. By interfering with cell growth, differentiation, and tissue shaping, these agents can produce congenital abnormalities in the structures that will become the body's organs and limbs. That broad target—body parts and major organs—best captures the kinds of defects teratogens cause. Traits like skin color or hair texture are not the primary structures formed during this critical period, and while limb development can be affected, the question points to the wider impact on major organ formation.