Human Development:
Abnormal Genes and Chromosomes, and Teratogens
Human development involves the growth of a zygote to maturity in a gradual process. A series of complex changes occurs within human bodies as development takes place. For instance, cells multiply either through meiosis or mitosis. The genetic makeup of cells also replicates. Normally, chromosomes will be separated to allow for replication of genes within cells. This process is very important during development. However, some abnormalities occur to genes and chromosomes due to teratogens. Teratogens are substances that interfere with the normal fetus or embryo growth and development, whereby they lead to their abnormalities. Their mode of action involves acting with specificity leading to abnormalities during human gestation periods. All these are due to structural or numerical abnormalities that occur to fetal chromosomes and hence the genes. These later cause defects during development.
The significance of abnormal genes and chromosomes and teratogens is that it enables me to understand the fundamentals of human development and those factors that cause interference. Some of the most common disorders are mostly due to teratogens. It is important that women should be very cautious on what the take in and how they treat their unborn children during the gestation period. This is because teratogen like thalidomide leads to abnormalities in chromosomes and genes that later cause phocomelia (Gilbert-Barness et al. 202). This allows me to understand why there is a need for women to avoid teratogens like alcohols. Also, some abnormalities that are either structural or anatomical at times happen to be present at birth though they may fail to be diagnosed until in a later stage of development. This allows me to understand why some chromosomes and genes abnormalities are usually diagnosed later in life and the reason behind it.
In my personal life, I have avoided teratogens at all cost. This is because they not only affect zygotes or fetus, but I can also be a victim indirectly. Given that during zygote formation, the parents provide half of their genes to the zygote, I may cause a defect to my future unborn child if I do not avoid teratogen. I can as well educate my colleagues about teratogens and the abnormalities they cause to the genes and chromosomes. Personally, I have cautioned my peers against drugs and alcohol as well.
Cultural implications for Hawaii involve the creation of State of Hawaii Genetics Program which aims at educating residents about the defects that can occur in their children due to teratogens. Due to the high number of children with genes and chromosomal abnormalities, prenatal diagnostic centers are currently being increased in Hawaii. There is no segregation of people who are qualified to be diagnosed, but it is performed equally to people. Local media use talk shows, for example, to pass information to viewers concerning these abnormalities in genes and chromosomes due to teratogens. Women under medication are advised to inquire on the medicine contents. Also, both men and women are educated in regards to this as they are both responsible for the current and future health of their babies. As women undergo prenatal diagnosis, men are normally educated on the dangers of teratogens lie alcohols, through programs or local media. These abnormalities happen to both male and female unborn children and is, therefore, important that people should avoid teratogens.
Works Cited
Gilbert-Barness, Enid, Diane E. Spicer, and Thora S. Steffensen. Handbook of Pediatric Autopsy Pathology. N.p., 2013. Print.
