Twin Zygosity

When twins are born, the doctor can assess whether they are identical or fraternal by examining factors like the placenta's appearance. However, this is not a conclusive determination.

The babies' appearance isn't definitive either. Sometimes, identical twins may not look identical, while fraternal twins might resemble each other closely.

Identical twins originate from a single egg, known as a zygote, which splits early to form two embryos. These twins share the same DNA because they come from one egg and one sperm.

Fraternal twins result from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperms, so they do not share the exact same DNA.

Typically, identical twins will share a placenta at birth, but this isn't always the case. If you're interested in their genetic differences, an identical twin DNA test can provide insights into their distinct genetic profiles.

Twin zygosity testing accurately determines whether twins are identical or fraternal. This information can be useful for health reasons, such as if a tissue or organ transplant is needed, and may also be required for legal purposes.

If you want to learn more about twin zygosity testing, contact DPC today. We will explain every detail of the zygosity test, so reach out for assistance.