What is the definition of a teratogen?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question: What is the definition of a teratogen?

Option a: 'The method by which an agent can cause harm to a developing embryo.' This describes a mechanism or route of harm, not the specific definition of a teratogen itself. It’s focusing on how harm could occur rather than what a teratogen is.

Option b: 'The study of factors that can cause congenital malformations to occur.' This is a description of teratology as a field of study, not the definition of a teratogen. It addresses the science rather than the agent.

Option c: 'A substance or physical agent that can act on the developing embryo, causing a congenital anomaly.' This statement correctly identifies a teratogen as any substance or physical factor with the potential to interfere with development and produce congenital anomalies, aligning with standard medical definitions.

Option d: 'A type of congenital anomaly that was caused by an environmental agent.' This describes a condition resulting from exposure, not the agent itself. It confuses the outcome (anomaly) with the etiological agent (teratogen).

In understanding the concept, a teratogen is defined by its capacity to affect embryonic or fetal development and potentially lead to structural or functional abnormalities. The other options describe related ideas (mechanism of harm, the field of study, or the outcome) but do not define the term itself as accurately as option c.

What is the definition of a teratogen?

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