What factors can contribute to the development of a cleft lip and a cleft palate? (Select all that apply.)
A) Maternal deficiency of B vitamins
B) Exposure to heavy metals during the second trimester of pregnancy
C) Maternal use of tobacco
D) Maternal diabetes mellitus
E) Genetic mutation of the transforming growth factor

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In most cases,cleft lip and cleft palate are caused by multiple gene and environmental interactions,including maternal deficiency of B vitamins (B₆,folic acid,and B₁₂),maternal tobacco and alcohol use,maternal diabetes mellitus,and genetic variations of several biomolecules including transforming growth factor,interferon regulatory factor-6,fibroblast growth factor,and other growth factors.Exposure to heavy metals during the second trimester of pregnancy is not a known trigger for such development.

What Factors Can Contribute to the Development of a Cleft