Sanam Ebrahimian

Assignment #1: ECED 1100

1. Define a teratogen:
A teratogen is an agent or factor that causes malformation or abnormal development of an
embryo or fetus. These agents can include chemicals, viruses, radiation, and certain medications.
2. What are the three prenatal periods? Describe what happens during each stage:
The prenatal period has three stages:
The Germinal Stage (first two weeks): This is the stage of conception, when the sperm fertilizes
the egg and the resulting zygote begins to divide and form a ball of cells called a blastocyst. The
blastocyst implants in the uterus and begins to produce hormones that sustain the pregnancy.
The Embryonic Stage (third to eighth week): This is the stage of rapid growth, when all of the
major organ systems and structures begin to form. During this stage, the embryonic tissues
differentiate and begin to specialize into specific structures such as the brain, heart, and limb
buds.
The Fetal Stage (nine weeks to birth): This is the stage of further growth and maturation, when
the fetus begins to take on a more human appearance and gain weight rapidly. In this stage, the
organs and systems continue to mature and prepare for birth and postnatal life. The fetus also
begins to move and respond to stimuli, and its brain and nervous system become more complex.
3. What are some parental factors influencing development?
parental factors can influence a child's development during pregnancy:
Maternal health: The mother's physical and mental health during pregnancy can have a impact on
the developing fetus.
Nutrition: A mother's diet and nutritional status during pregnancy can influence the growth and
development of the fetus
Stress: High levels of stress in a mother during pregnancy can affect the developing fetus and
increase the risk of negative outcomes.
Substance use: The use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco during pregnancy can harm the developing
fetus and increase the risk of birth defects.
4. Describe the recent research around teenage pregnancy:
Teen mothers and their babies are at increased risk for a variety of health problems, such as low
birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental delays. Teen pregnancy often has negative
economic consequences for both the mother and the child. social determinants, such as poverty,
lack of access to quality healthcare, and limited educational and employment opportunities, play
a significant role in high rates of teen pregnancy.
5. Define genotype and phenotype and give an example to describe both terms:
Genotype: The genotype refers to an organism's complete set of inherited genes, including all
variations of each gene. It is the underlying genetic information that determines an organism's
potential to develop certain traits, but does not necessarily reflect the actual expression of those
traits.
Phenotype: The phenotype refers to an organism's observable traits, such as physical appearance,
behavior, and physiological characteristics. These traits are the result of both the genotype and
the influence of environmental factors.
For example, a person's genotype may include a gene for eye color, but the actual eye color that
is expressed (brown, blue, green, etc.) is the phenotype. The phenotype can be influenced by the
environment, such as exposure to sunlight or changes in nutrition, as well as by the individual's
genotype.
Understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype is critical for understanding the
genetic basis of traits and disorders, and for developing effective treatments and therapies.