Thalidomide, now banned for use as a sedative in pregnancy, was used in the early 1960s by many women in their first trimester of pregnancy. Some of these women gave birth to children with arm and leg deformities, suggesting that the drug most likely influenced
A) early cleavage divisions.
B) determination of the polarity of the zygote.
C) differentiation of bone tissue.
D) morphogenesis.
E) organogenesis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thalidomide is known to disrupt the process of morphogenesis, which is the process by which cells organize into tissues and organs during embryonic development. This disruption can lead to limb deformities, as seen in babies born to women who took the drug during early pregnancy.

Thalidomide, Now Banned for Use as a Sedative in Pregnancy