Identical twins have identical DNA or not?

Not only do faces look alike, identical twins have the same gender, their bodies look alike, and are often dressed in the same clothes. Sometimes if you see it for the first time it's quite difficult to tell which one is younger and which one is older because of the exact face. This number of similarities gives rise to, do identical twins have identical DNA as well? Come on, see the full review.

How can identical twins form?

Identical twins are formed from the same egg and one sperm. After conception or fertilization, these cells should develop into one zygote.

In identical twins, after conception, the fused egg and sperm divide into two zygotes. Furthermore, the two new zygotes grow and develop into two individuals respectively.

Because they come from the same egg and sperm, identical twins have the same DNA, from one mother's egg and one sperm from the same father.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleate) consists of chromosomes which contain genetic information. This genetic information determines all the characteristics and characteristics of the body. Starting from hair and eye color, muscle structure, and so on.

Even though twins are identical, it turns out that identical twins still have differences, right? Although there are only a few or there may be many differences. Then this is the question, why from one source of the same genetic information there is still a difference. Actually, the DNA is the same or not?

Is it true that the DNA of identical twins is really identical too?

Reported on the Verywell Fit page, DNA tests on identical twins or monozygotic twins will give 99.99% similar results. Meanwhile, if the twins are not identical or fraternal twins are generally similar, about 50-75 percent.

Quoted on the page of the National Human Genome Research Institute, a human gene research institute in America, Don Hadley, MS., C.G.C said that identical twins share the exact same DNA while in the womb. However, changes can occur after conception, so this keeps their DNA different.

Therefore, it can be said that identical twins do not mean that they have identical DNA as well, but that their DNA is very similar.

The proof, you can see for yourself that there are always differences between identical twins. That is, the DNA that carries their genetic information is not identical. Even though the differences are slight or you may find it difficult to distinguish, there are basically things that are different.

For example, the fingerprints can be similar but not 100 percent exactly the same. In addition, for example, the shape of the face or the color of the hair. This is all because their DNA is not one hundred percent identical, but it is very similar.

Environmental factors or diet can also affect the physical condition of identical twins. There are also epigenetic factors that can influence the differences in twins as identical twins age. Epigenetic factors are changes in gene expression in the body due to the response of a particular mechanism that occurs.

So, in the end, even identical twins still have differences in DNA even if only slightly.

What does it mean if the DNA is so similar?

Because their DNA is so similar, the congenital conditions for identical twins are almost identical. This means that if an older sibling has a congenital genetic disorder, it is very likely that the younger sibling has the same disorder. For example, in cases of dyslexia (reading disorders) or schizophrenia mental illness. If one person has cancer, the twin is very susceptible to developing the same cancer.

However, for various diseases that are also influenced by lifestyle and dietary factors, only one child may get a disease, while the twins do not.