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Formation of Identical Twins

By Janice VanCleave

Formation of Identical Twins

Identical twins form when a zygote (egg/sperm combination) splits into two separate parts.

In the diagram, 1n represents half of the chromosomes that you have in each cell. Thus, 2n represents the complete number of chromosomes. You have a total of 46 chromosome.

1n = 23 chromosomes

2n = 46 chromosomes

While the two babies each have the same DNA, they do not always have  exactly the  same physical appearance.

The differences in identical twins is due to chemicals that activate or deactivate genes.

These chemicals are called epigenomes. The video below gives more information about genetic differences between identical twins.

For details about epigenomes, see HOW TO DEACTIVATE GENES.

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Filed Under: Biology Tagged With: epigenomes, identical twins

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The spoon hanging from the string vibrates when struck and these vibrations are transmitted through the string and the sound is amplified by the plastic cups. ABOUT ME: Hi, I am Janice VanCleave, author of 50 best-selling science experiment books for children ages 4 through high school. I taught science for 27 years. MORE.....

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