Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins

Monozygotic twins are also known as identical twins,

developing from one zygote which splits and becomes two
embryos. They are always of the same sex and share
identical genes. However, though they share identical
genes, they are not exactly genetically identical; does not
share the exact same DNA. This is due to epigenetics – the
science of how the environment changes our DNA. Every
time cells split, there is a risk of mutation occurring
(Gurevich & Sadaty, 2019).
Types of Monozygotic/Identical Twins:

Dichorionic diamniotic or DCDA twins; have their own placenta, inner membrane, and
outer membrane.
Monochorionic diamniotic or MADA twins; share the same placenta and chorion, but
have their own amnion.
Monochorionic monoamniotic or MCMA twins; share everything.

Dizygotic twins are also known as fraternal twins, which

occurs when two eggs are fertilized by two separate
sperms. They do not share the same genes; only 50% of
each other genes (Gurevich & Shur, 2019).

Types of Dizygotic/Fraternal Twins:

Monochosionic – diamniotic or Mo-Di; share one placenta, hence each has his/her own
amniotic sac.
Dichorionic – diamniotic or Di-Di; have separate amniotic sacs and placentas.

Genome

The genome of identical (monozygotic twins) 100% of their genetic material are identical
whereas for Fraternal (dizygotic twin) only 50% of their genetic material are identical. Their
genetic makeup have the same percentage to that of the normal sibling.
REFERENCES:
Types of twins/ Pregnancy Birth and Baby. (2029). Retrieve from
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/types-of-twins

Gurevich, R., Shur, M. (2019). Dizygotic (Faternal) Twins Facts You should know. Retrieve
from https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-dizygotic-twins-1960107

Gurevich, R., Sadaty, A. (2019). How Monozygotic Twins Develop. Retrieve from
https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-are-monozygotic-twins-1960315

P, Hess. (2019)Rare Australian twin are semi identical, sharing 89% of their DNA. Retrieved
from https://www.inverse.com/article/53633-semi-identical-twins-share-78-percent-of-dna

Shavanie Jagessar [1034856]

Puooja Nandlall [1032871]