MadSci Network: Development |
There are two different types of twins, monozygotic and dizygotic.
Monozygotic, identical, twins are from one fertilized egg, i.e., one egg +
one sperm. This fertilized egg splits early in development which is why
identical twins are so much alike. They share the same genetic makeup.
Dizygotic, fraternal, twins are from two separate fertilization events, two
eggs with two sperm. They have the same genetic relatedness to each other
as does any other pair of siblings.
As far as heredity, there seems to be no evidence that the ability to have
monozygotic twins is a heritable trait. This seems to be a random event
(discounting fertility drugs of course) in all races. Dizygotic twinning
does seem to be hereditary through the maternal line. Dizygotic twins
depend on the mother releasing two eggs during one monthly cycle and this
ability does seem to be inherited.
I hope this answers your question.
Regards,
Shirley Chan, Ph.D.
DNA Learning Center
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Development.