Question 12

Teratogens can cause malformed facial features in newborns.

Teratogens are substances that can lead to developmental abnormalities in a fetus, and one of the significant impacts is the occurrence of malformed facial features in newborns.

A) They can cause depression in newborns

This option is incorrect as teratogens are primarily associated with physical and structural abnormalities during prenatal development rather than psychological conditions like depression in newborns. While prenatal exposure to certain substances can affect later behavior, depression is not a direct outcome of teratogenic effects.

B) They can cause anoxia in newborns

Anoxia, or the lack of oxygen, is not a direct effect of teratogens during prenatal development. While some teratogens may indirectly contribute to complications that could lead to anoxia during birth, the primary concern with teratogens is their ability to cause physical malformations.

C) They can cause malformed facial features in newborns

This option is correct as teratogens can disrupt normal fetal development, leading to specific physical deformities, including malformed facial features. This is well-documented in cases of teratogen exposure, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, which is characterized by distinct facial abnormalities.

D) They can cause autism in newborns

While some studies suggest a potential link between teratogen exposure and developmental disorders like autism, this connection is still being researched. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multiple contributing factors, making this option somewhat misleading regarding the direct effects of teratogens.

Conclusion

The correct answer, C, highlights the direct impact of teratogens on the physical development of a fetus, specifically leading to malformed facial features in newborns. Options A, B, and D either misrepresent the effects of teratogens or focus on secondary outcomes rather than the primary physical abnormalities that can arise due to teratogenic exposure.