MadSci Network: Development
Query:

Re: Being a male, am I able to provide the cell needed to produce twins.

Date: Tue Nov 30 11:14:16 1999
Posted By: Shirley Chan, Ph.D.
Area of science: Development
ID: 943669950.Dv
Message:

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


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