Suppose that a human female is accidentally exposed to a poison at one of four different points in development. If the effect of the poison is that it interferes with meiosis, at which point in the lifespan would we expect it to have the most disruptive effect?
A) in the prenatal period, since this is when ova are forming
B) in the first year after birth, since this is when brain growth is most rapid
C) during early adulthood, since this is when conception of a child is most likely to happen
D) in older adulthood, since body cells are most vulnerable at the end of the lifespan

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Meiosis, the process of cell division that produces gametes (ova and sperm), begins during fetal development. Therefore, if a poison interferes with meiosis, the most disruptive effect would be expected during the prenatal period when ova are forming. While brain growth is rapid in the first year after birth, it is not directly related to meiosis. Similarly, while conception is most likely to happen during early adulthood, it does not have a direct impact on meiosis. Finally, body cells are not most vulnerable in older adulthood, so this is also an incorrect choice.

Suppose That a Human Female Is Accidentally Exposed to a Poison