What process helps explain how a mother's smoking can result in birth defects of her children, such as cleft lip?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Methylation is a biochemical process that can alter the expression of genes without changing the DNA sequence itself. When a mother smokes, the chemicals in tobacco can cause changes in the methylation patterns of the DNA in her developing fetus, potentially leading to birth defects such as cleft lip. This process can affect how genes are turned on or off and can have long-lasting effects on the health of the child.

What Process Helps Explain How a Mother's Smoking Can Result