The embryonic period is the most sensitive time for teratogen exposure.

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating the statement about teratogen exposure, it's essential to map the timing of development to vulnerability.
Option 1: 'True.' The embryonic period, roughly from week 3 to week 8 of gestation, is the phase of organogenesis. During this window, the developing organs are forming, so teratogens can cause major structural anomalies. This makes the period particularly sensitive to harmful exposures compared with other times in pregnancy.
Option 2: 'False.' This would be incorrect because it contradicts the well-established pattern of teratogenic risk. While other periods (like the early pre-embryonic stage and the fetal period) have their own susceptibilities—such as the 'all-or-none' response in the very early weeks and functional/growth effects later—the embryonic period is classically recognized as the peak time for major congenital malformations due to teratogens, not a time of relatively low risk.
Additional nuance: exposures outside the embryonic period can still be harmful (e.g., leading to growth restriction, neurodevelopmental issues, or functional deficits), but the question specifically asks about the highest sensitivity for structural malformations, which is most prominent during organogenesis in the embryonic period.

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The embryonic period is the most sensitive time for teratogen exposure.

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