Final answer:
Paternal alcohol use around the time of conception can alter gene expression and affect the fetus, leading to conditions such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Step-by-step explanation:
Research suggests that paternal alcohol use around the time of conception can alter gene expression. Alcohol is a teratogen that can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, leading to conditions such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD can cause physical abnormalities, cognitive deficits, and behavioral issues in children.