1. QUIZ EXPLANATIONS - REPRODUCTIVE TOXINS

2. Phthalates EDCs are endocrine disrupting compounds that are exogenous substances that "interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body that are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, reproduction, development and behavior.“ Phthalate is an endocrine disruptor.

3. Target site for C. trachomatis After the infection Chlamydia bacterium attaches the elementary body (EB) to the future host cell, normally a epithelial cell of the lining of the reproductive tract if the infection is in that area, by interaction with a protein based host component.

4. Enantiomer of Thalidomide The R enantiomer is an effective sedative, but the S is teratogenic. The enantiomers racemize in-vivo, therefore, administering only one enantiomer will still cause the teratogenic effects.

5. Chronic Chlamydia Infection Chlamydia can cause fallopian tube asymptomatic infection. PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and asymptomatic infection of the upper genital tract can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and other neighboring tissues, which can lead to infertility due to the scarred tissue formed by the infection

6. Mechanism of Internalization - Chlamydia Nine signature genes in the bacteria have been identified to have well-established roles in: Clathrin-mediated endocytosis: clathrin heavy chain, dynamin-2, Hsc70, Arp2, and cortactin. Caveola-mediated endocytosis: caveolin-1. Phagocytosis: RhoA, dynamin-2, Rac1, and Arp2. Macropinocytosis: Pak1, Rac1, and Arp2. Internalization of C. trachomatis seems to be a clathrin- mediated process, and caveola endocytosis, phagocytosis, and macropinocytosis don’t seem to be involved although some of the genes to allow the processes are present.

7. Effects on Male Reproduction - Phthalates Phthalate is a serious toxin to the reproductive system and reports have shown that in utero exposure to chemicals such as phthalates can lead to a fifty percent decrease in sperm counts and an increase in other conditions such as cryptorchid testes, testicular cancer and hypospadias.

8. MEHP and Fatty Acid Role http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIUyIS- GUyc&feature=player_embedded

9. MEHP and Granulosa Cell MEHP is able to decrease granulosa cell aromatase RNA message and protein levels. It is able to do this by activating peroxisome proliferator activated receptors PPARs.

10. Alkylating Agents Mechanisms Alkylating agents are compounds that form covalent bonds with nucleotides in the cell. They usually have two alkylating groups that form inter or intra chain linking in DNA, preventing transcription and translation and causing great damage to DNA structure.

11. Effects of Cytotoxic Drugs during pregnancy Use of cytotoxic drugs during pregnancy can lead to problems like hydrocephalus (accumulation of CSF in ventricles in the brain) neural tube defects i.e. spina bifida and cleft palate. The most problematic teratogen in this class of drugs is folate antagonists. Timing is integral in relation to the effect and extent of the damage as with all teratogens.