Genetics

Meiosis, Mitosis, & the Embryo

Meiosis produces haploid egg and sperm, and the egg is fertilized by the sperm to produce a zygote. The zygote is a single cell, so it undergoes mitosis to produce many more cells to make up an organism.  

Teratogens (an agent that can cause malformation of an embryo)

• Alcohol                                                                      -can cause mental, physical, and growth problems                                                                                   -decreased muscle tone, small narrow eyes, smooth thin upper lip, small head, delayed speech and social development, and heart defects
• Cocaine                                                                    -if used early, can lead to misscarriage                                                                            -if used later in pregnancy, can lead to premature labor                                                                                          -can cause low birth weight, malformation of the urinary tract, feeding difficulty, trouble sleeping, withdrawal symptoms after birth