Homozygote - Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins

Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins

For more details on the terms "monozygotic" and "dizygotic", see Twin.

As discussed above, "zygosity" can be used in the context of a specific genetic locus (example). In addition, the word "zygosity" may also be used to describe the genetic similarity or dissimilarity of twins. Identical twins are monozygotic, meaning that they develop from one zygote that splits and forms two embryos. Fraternal twins are dizygotic because they develop from two separate eggs that are fertilized by two separate sperm.

Read more about this topic:  Homozygote

Famous quotes containing the word twins:

    “Sisters we are, yea, twins we be,
    Yet deadly feud ‘twixt thee and me;
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    Thou by old Adam wast begot,
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    —Anne Bradstreet (c. 1612–1672)