Health disease
a) Jenny and John relied on IVF to become pregnant. Briefly describe this procedure. List four possible exposures (or lack thereof) directly related to the IVF procedure through which these exposures may induce programming changes in the zygote/blastocyst and briefly discuss a mechanism. Once Jenny is pregnant with Caleb, how are the micronutrients of Vitamins A, D and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to fetal development?
b) Jenny did not take her prenatal supplements provided on a regular basis. Which vitamin included in this supplement would be the most important for the peri-conception and early pregnancy window? Identify what clinical outcome(s) is(are) most associated with this vitamin deficiency during early pregnancy (be specific) and describe the mechanisms by which this happens. Be sure to include in your response the effects of this vitamin deficiency on both embryo/fetal development and placental development, including how this nutrient crosses the placenta.
c) Teratogens and endocrine disruptors can both cause damage to the fetus, but they do so in different ways. Explain the major difference in the type of damage caused by exposure to these two classes of substances. Using one example for each class of chemical (Retinoic acid and BPA), discuss the mechanism and factors/conditions required by which they cause damage or change to the developing fetus and the primary organ or system affected.
d) Would a somatic or germline mutation have a greater negative impact on the fetus? Provide a rationale for your response, highlighting what the impact of each type of mutation might be. Both Jenny and John are getting older, how might their age affect their potential for transmitting germline mutations?