https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.11286
Chemical, physical, or biological agent that, when administered to a parent either prior to conception or before birth of the child, induces permanent structural malformations or birth defects in the offspring.
Notes:
- Teratogens may act at vulnerable points in the development of gametes in parents or of organ development in the embryo and fetus.
- Their modes of action include mimicry of morphogens (thus interference with morphogenesis), modulation of genes and gene expression, and direct alterations in protein function.