What are agents, such as chemicals and viruses, that can harm the embryo or fetus during prenatal development called?

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Agents that are harmful for developing embryo or fetus during the prenatal period are known as teratogens. Out of the given choices, pathogens (A) are harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, that cause diseases but may not necessarily affect prenatal development. Mutagens (B) are substances that cause mutations in DNA, which can lead to genetic changes but may not directly harm the developing fetus. Carcinogens (D) are agents that can cause cancer but may not always harm the prenatal development. Therefore, the correct term for the agents that harm the embryo or fetus during prenatal development is teratogens (C).

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