Developmental Biology

1. Environmental Influences on Development
   1. Maternal effects
      1. Nutritional influences
         1. Impact on fetal growth and health outcomes
         2. Essential vitamins and minerals
            1. Role of folic acid in neural tube development
            2. Importance of iron and calcium
         3. Consequences of malnutrition
            1. Low birth weight
            2. Developmental delays
      2. Hormonal impacts
         1. Maternal stress hormones and their effects
            1. Cortisol and its impact on brain development
            2. Long-term behavioral consequences
         2. Influence of thyroid hormones on fetal development
            1. Importance for neural and skeletal growth
            2. Disorders arising from thyroid imbalances
   2. External environmental factors
      1. Temperature and light
         1. Effects of temperature extremes on embryogenesis
            1. Developmental anomalies due to hypothermia or hyperthermia
            2. Species-specific adaptations to temperature changes
         2. Influence of circadian rhythms on development
            1. Light-regulated gene expression in early development
            2. Impact on sleep-wake cycles in neonates
      2. Chemical exposure and teratogens
         1. Definition and types of teratogens
            1. Alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs
            2. Industrial chemicals and pollutants
         2. Mechanisms of teratogenic effects
            1. Disruption of signaling pathways
            2. Interferences with DNA synthesis and repair
         3. Known teratogenic substances and effects
            1. Thalidomide and limb malformations
            2. Fetal alcohol syndrome
            3. Neurotoxic effects of lead and mercury exposure
         4. Preventative measures and risk assessment
            1. Guidelines for pregnant women on exposure limits
            2. Public health policies on environmental safety for expectant mothers