Teratogens Genetic and Environmental Factors
Discussion Questions:
- Look for a scientific study identifying a teratogen and explaining how it affects human development.
- Present the data and analyze in your own words, what actions can be taken to reduce that impact. (They can be individual actions or at the public policy level.) You can look for information that will help support your opinion.
- Using examples, explain how genetic and environmental factors combine to influence development.
Remember to review the academic expectations for your submission.
Submission Instructions:
- Submit your initial discussion post by 11:59 PM Eastern on Wednesday.
- Contribute a minimum of 250 words for your initial post. It should include at least 2 academic sources, formatted and cited in APA.
- Respond to at least two of your classmates’ discussion posts by 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday. Ask a question, and provide a different viewpoint.
Teratogens, Genetic and Environmental Factors
1. Identification of a Teratogen and its Effects on Human Development
One of the well-studied teratogens is alcohol, which can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). A scientific study by Riley, Infante, and Warren (2011) titled “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview” highlights the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on human development. The study explains that alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause a range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems in the developing fetus. These effects include growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, which can result in cognitive impairments, poor impulse control, and social difficulties.
2. Analysis and Actions to Reduce Impact
The data presented in the study by Riley et al. (2011) indicates that alcohol exposure during pregnancy is highly detrimental to fetal development. To reduce the impact of alcohol as a teratogen, several actions can be taken at both individual and public policy levels:
- Individual Actions:
- Education and Awareness: Pregnant women and those planning to conceive should be educated about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in counseling and providing resources.
- Support Systems: Creating support groups for pregnant women to encourage alcohol-free pregnancies can be beneficial. These groups can offer emotional support and practical advice.
- Public Policy Actions:
- Legislation: Implementing and enforcing stricter regulations on alcohol sales and marketing, especially targeting pregnant women, can help reduce alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
- Public Health Campaigns: Governments can launch campaigns to raise awareness about FASD and the dangers of prenatal alcohol exposure. These campaigns should be culturally sensitive and accessible to all demographics.
- Access to Healthcare: Improving access to prenatal care and screening for alcohol use during pregnancy can help identify and support at-risk individuals early on.
3. Influence of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Development
Development is influenced by an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors refer to the inherited traits and predispositions from parents, while environmental factors include all external influences from conception onwards.
Examples:
- Genetic Factors:
- Inherited Disorders: Conditions such as cystic fibrosis or Down syndrome are caused by genetic abnormalities. These conditions affect physical and cognitive development and are determined by the genetic makeup of the individual.
- Predispositions: Genetic predispositions can influence susceptibility to certain diseases, like diabetes or heart disease, impacting overall development and health outcomes.
- Environmental Factors:
- Nutrition: Adequate nutrition is crucial for proper development. Malnutrition during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight and developmental delays.
- Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins like lead or mercury can impair cognitive and physical development. Policies to reduce environmental pollution can mitigate these risks.
Combined Influence: An example of the combined influence of genetic and environmental factors is the development of asthma. A child with a genetic predisposition to asthma may develop the condition if exposed to environmental triggers such as cigarette smoke or pollution. Another example is the interaction between genetic predisposition to obesity and a high-calorie diet, leading to the development of obesity and related health issues.
In conclusion, understanding the effects of teratogens like alcohol and the interplay between genetic and environmental factors can guide both individual actions and public policies to promote healthier developmental outcomes.
References:
- Riley, E. P., Infante, M. A., & Warren, K. R. (2011). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview. Neuropsychology Review, 21(2), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-011-9166-x
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2020). Fetal Alcohol Exposure. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/fetal-alcohol-exposure