What can teratogenic effects lead to?

Teratogenic effects refer to the harmful impacts that certain agents, including radiation, can have on fetal development during pregnancy. These effects can disrupt normal development processes, potentially leading to congenital anomalies or birth defects. Exposure to teratogens at critical periods of embryonic or fetal development can cause a range of physical and functional abnormalities in the resulting offspring, reflecting the direct link between teratogenic factors and the malformation of developing tissues.

In contrast, acute radiation syndrome is a serious condition resulting from high doses of radiation over a short period and is not specifically related to teratogenic effects. The concept of increased cell repair capacity doesn’t align with the nature of teratogens, as they interfere with normal developmental processes rather than enhance repair. Lastly, higher radiation resistance in offspring is misleading, as teratogenic effects are known for their negative impact on development rather than conferring any form of increased resistance to radiation. Thus, the association of teratogenic effects with birth defects is clear and direct, making it the correct choice.