2007-10-27 20:14:02 · 12 answers · asked by catwomanmeeeeow 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Yes, they do have the same DNA.
2007-10-27 20:39:25 · update #1
Many people think that the DNA of identical twins is very similar, but not identical. This is incorrect, however - identical twins generally DO have identical DNA. The reasoning (borne out by genetic testing, of course) is as follows.
In almost all cases, what happens is that a fertilised egg splits into two masses early on in fetal development - each of which develops into a fetus. Thus their genes are 100% replicas of each other, at least initially.
There are rare causes of identical twins not having the same DNA - such as when a new mutation occurs in one twin after the split. But this is real fine print stuff, and not really worth considering here.
However, twins do NOT have identical fingerprints. Fingerprints are partly genetically inherited, but there is a substantial environmental contribution that takes place in the womb. These factors include things like nutrition, blood pressure, position in the womb, and position of the fetus. These vary from twin to twin, giving each similar, but not identical, fingerprints.
Therefore, identical twins have the same DNA, but not the same fingerprints. Identical twins are in fact rather useful in determining the how much of a particular trait (say, intelligence, or height) is genetically determined, since any difference must be NON-genetic.
2007-10-28 02:23:05 · answer #1 · answered by doc j 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What a cool question. Well, the difference lies in the environment. They will have the same DNA, but they will not be affected identically by the environment that they are in. Once they have developed into separate beings, the environment that they are in as a fetus or out side of the womb will be different (at least slightly) and they will react differently as well (because although they have idential DNA they are still different beings). Finger prints are not genetic, they do not run in the family and are developed randomly only after they hit a certain stage in their development.
I just read some of the other answers and WOW some people really do not know what they are talking about!!!
Identical twins MOST DEFINITELY have the same DNA!!! How? When the sperm enters the egg and forms a zygote (the first cell of human life) the cell divides (THIS IS WHAT MAKES IDENTICAL TWINS) the cell divides and the DNA divides to make two sets of identical DNA strands.
OK so what makes fraternal twins? The woman will have two different eggs in the ovary (rare, but happens occasionally) and two different sperm enter them. Therefore, fraternal twins DO NOT have identical DNA.
2007-10-27 20:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by Lilith 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Some of your answers did a good job at explaning but they failed to point out one thing....Not everything in the DNA is used. Chemically they're the same but physically they're not.
Yes they have the same DNA. If we map their DNA it would be exactly the same. Meaning if one twin committed a crime and left DNA traces behind the other twin may end up in jail due to DNA evidence. CSI fans anyone?
The second part of your question refers not to DNA but what's in the DNA...the genes. DNA hold the genes that determine everything that is the person. But having identical DNA doesn't mean having everything the same. The reason for this is that not every gene in the DNA is used or not every gene is used at the same time.
There are environment factors that play a role like other answers have indicated. The reason for this is that genes between a pair of twins may not all work the same way or at the same time. This accounts for their physical differences even when they're chemically the same.
2007-10-27 20:44:49 · answer #3 · answered by unclecharlie1169 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fingerprint patterns are not completely dependent on DNA. Fingerprints depend on environmental factors as well. Since identical twins have the same DNA you can expect their fingerprints to be similar but not exact.
2007-10-27 20:29:47 · answer #4 · answered by Demiurge42 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, its possible. They have similar DNA, but finger prints/ marks are unique to each person.
2007-10-28 09:38:37 · answer #5 · answered by Phuong_Minh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nuture...Environmental Influences
2007-10-27 20:53:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their DNA is not "identical". They appear to be identical, but their genetics are completely different. They may have a few allele's in common but I doubt they're "identical". That's how they can have different fingerprints and markings.
2007-10-27 20:17:16 · answer #7 · answered by Nathan 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋
I think it is unlikely. both dna and fingerprints are something unique to a person. dna will not change but there are possibilities / instances where finger prints might change example a deep cut in the finger tip.
2007-10-27 20:18:35 · answer #8 · answered by ville009 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Are you sure that identical twins have the same DNA?
I don't think so...
2007-10-27 20:18:56 · answer #9 · answered by Maxeem A 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋
think about it they must not have identical DNA
2007-10-27 20:22:07 · answer #10 · answered by bstuck2000 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋