My brother and I were having an argument. I saw on law & order that IDENTICAL twins have identical DNA. I mean fingerprints and DNA. Is there a Doctor or nurse out there who actually knows?? Help!!
2007-07-19 02:48:06 · 7 answers · asked by **La Bella 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Identical twins DO NOT have identical fingerprints. They do have identical DNA.
Fingerprints do not depend on your DNA and are developed while you are in the womb during the 13th-19th week of growth.
2007-07-19 02:51:00 · answer #1 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The basic answer is NO. Identical -- or monozygotic -- twins form when a single fertilized egg splits in two after conception. Because they form from a single zygote, the two individuals will have the same genetic makeup. Their DNA is virtually indistinguishable.
Although identical twins have the same genotype, or DNA, they have different phenotypes, meaning that the same DNA is expressed in different ways.
Traits determined by phenotype, such as fingerprints and physical appearance, are the result of "the interaction of the individual's genes and the developmental environment in the uterus." Thus, a DNA test can't determine the difference between identical twins, while a simple fingerprint can.
However, fingerprints are not an entirely genetic characteristic. Scientists love to use this topic as an example of the old "nature vs. nurture" debate. Fingerprinting, along with other physical characteristics, is an example of a phenotype -- meaning that it is determined by the interaction of an indivdual's genes and the developmental environment in the uterus.
The ultimate shape of fingerprints are believed to be influenced by environmental factors during pregnancy, like nutrition, blood pressure, position in the womb and the growth rate of the fingers at the end of the first trimester.
Thus, you will find similar partterns of whorls and ridges in the fingerprints of identical twins. But there will also be differences -- just as there are differences between the fingers on any individual's hands.
2007-07-19 09:58:41 · answer #2 · answered by ritukiran16 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is correct. Identical twins have identical DNA. They do not have identical fingerprints. Fingerprints develope as the child does and probably would be the same if the children were exposed to the EXACT same conditions. But even in a mothers womb, one child may be squished more, not receive as much nourishment, or any of a million other things. Each of which influences the pattern the skin grows into.
2007-07-19 10:10:17 · answer #3 · answered by billgoats79 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Identical twins develop from the same fertilized egg. This is why they have identical DNA. Fingerprints develop after the the egg divides into separate embryos. This is why fingerprints are unique to an individual.
2007-07-19 09:59:13 · answer #4 · answered by #girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Identical twins have identical DNA but not identical fingerprints. They are technically clones, but fingerprints are not determined by genes. It is rather like expecting each of them to have achne pimples in exactly the same places or develop cavities in all the same teeth.
BTW: watch more PBS. ABC_NBC_CBS_USA is empty entertainment masquerading as information.
2007-07-19 10:03:03 · answer #5 · answered by Roger S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Identical twins result from the splitting of one egg into two embryos. So, they are the result of a singel egg and a single sperm, which means they will have the same DNA.
2007-07-19 10:09:57 · answer #6 · answered by Carol B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even twins have different finger prints. No one person has the same finger prints as the other. As far as DNA they have extremely similar DNA so much so that it is not admitted in court ( it leaves doubt to whom without a doubt commited the crime. You can not say "well it was one of these two"
2007-07-19 09:56:18 · answer #7 · answered by Mama Tex 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋