• General principle of teratology (genetic factors, critical period, initiating mechanism, consequences of abnormal development, Access to embryo and fetus- dose response relationship)
• Teratological mechanism (mutation, chromosomal abnormalities, mitotic interference, interference with nucleic acid function, nutritional deficiencies , altered energy, changes in osmolarity, changes in cell membrane, enzyme inhibition.)
• Teratogens; some specific examples.(Human and experimental animals)
• Transport and biotransformation of xenobiotics by placenta/extra embryonic membranes.