What does teratogenicity indicate about a substance?

Teratogenicity specifically refers to the capability of a substance to cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus or embryo. This means that if a substance is classified as teratogenic, it poses a risk of inducing malformations or other harmful effects during the critical stages of organ development. This impact can lead to physical defects, functional impairments, or even developmental delays in an unborn child.

In contrast, the other choices represent different types of risks. For example, cancer-causing agents would be characterized as carcinogenic; substances that affect organ function are typically regarded as having organ toxicity; and any interference with reproductive processes would suggest a different mechanism of action that is not exclusively connected to developmental toxicity. Therefore, recognizing teratogenicity as a specific indicator of potential harm to a developing fetus is essential in disciplines like pharmacology and toxicology, where the safety of substances during pregnancy is a significant concern.