Identical twins, sometimes referred to as monozygotic twins, arise from a single fertilized egg that splits in two and results in two separate embryos. They share the same genetic material and even look almost identical.
However, they can have different blood types because the genes that determine blood type may be expressed differently within each twin due to a phenomenon called genetic recombination. This occurs when the chromosomes in the egg separate before it splits and when the chromosomes recombine, they don’t always recombine exactly the same way.
This can lead to slight genetic differences between the twins. In addition, as identical twins share the same placenta in utero, they also share each other’s blood. This means one twin can pass its own blood type to the other, leading to a difference in the blood types of the twins.
Since identical twins each develop from one fertilized egg, they still belong to the same family, but the difference in their blood type demonstrates the individual nature of their genetic makeup.
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Can a boy and girl be identical twins?
No, a boy and a girl cannot be identical twins. Identical twins, also known as monozygotic twins, occur when one fertilized egg splits into two separate embryos that share the same DNA. Since the two embryos are of the same sex, it is not possible for one embryo to be a boy and the other a girl.
Fraternal twins, which are also referred to as dizygotic twins, occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm and can be any combination of sexes.
Are Mary Kate and Ashley identical?
No, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are not identical twins. While the twins look alike to the casual observer, they are in fact fraternal twins. Mary-Kate was born two minutes before Ashley on June 13th, 1986 in Sherman Oaks, California.
While they are closely associated, the twins have different eye colors and other subtle physical differences. Mary-Kate has a deeper voice than Ashley, and they have adopted different fashion styles, hairstyles, and attitudes.
They also have distinct personalities, although they have been known to be playful with each other in public appearances. It is also interesting to note that Mary-Kate has a birthmark on her right ankle, while Ashley has one on her left.
What is the rarest blood type?
The rarest blood type is known as Rhnull, also known as Golden Blood, because of its scarcity and value in certain medical treatments. It is sometimes referred to as Absolute Brightness or Royal Blood because there are very few compatible donors and recipients, and only a small number of blood banks have it available.
The rarest blood type is so called because it does not have any of the Rh antigens commonly found in people’s blood, so it is compatible with almost anyone regardless of their own blood type. It is even compatible with individuals who have multiple blood types, making it a potential lifesaver for people who are unable to find a compatible donor.
It is believed to exist in fewer than 50 people worldwide, with the vast majority located in India and the Middle East. As such, it is immensely valuable for medical emergencies, particularly for those in need of a transplant, and it can save people’s lives.
What happens when two different blood types have a baby?
When a baby is born, the blood type of the baby depends on the blood types of the mother and father. If both the mother and father have different blood types, such as A and B, the baby’s blood type will either be A, B, or a combination referred to as AB.
It is possible for the baby to be either either Rh-positive or Rh-negative, depending on the blood types of the parents. In some cases, the baby may also get a different blood type from either parent.
In order to know if two different blood types could potentially produce a baby, it is important to understand how blood types are inherited. The rule of thumb is that each child has two alleles for their blood type, one from each parent.
Since both parents must contribute to the baby’s blood type, the baby can get different combinations of A, B, and Rh alleles from their father and mother, resulting in nine different combinations.
For example, if the mother has type A blood, and the father has type B blood, the baby has a 25% chance of having type A blood, a 25% chance of having type B blood, and a 50% chance of having type AB blood.
If the baby is Rh-positive, the father must also be Rh-positive, or the baby will be Rh-negative.
For the best outcomes, it is recommended for both parents to be tested for their blood types before conceiving a baby. This is especially true for those with Rh-negative blood, as it can cause complications if the other parent is Rh-positive.
By having knowledge of both parents’ blood types, it will make it easier for them to understand the potential results and make any necessary arrangements.
How rare are biracial twins?
Biracial twins are incredibly rare, as they occur in only 1 in 500,000 pregnancies. This rarity is due to the fact that, in order for biracial twins to be conceived, both parents must possess different yet compatible genetic codes.
This means that the mother and father must both have completely different ancestry that could potentially combine together to form biracial twins. Generally, this only happens when one parent has some sort of European heritage and the other parent has African or Native American heritage, as these are the only two ancestries known to mix with one another on a regularly basis.
The rarity is further accentuated by the fact that, out of all the couples attempting to conceive biracial twins, only a small fraction is able to achieve such a feat. Thus, it is safe to conclude that biracial twins are indeed quite rare.
Who carries the gene for twins?
The exact answer to this question varies depending on the type of twins being discussed. In the case of identical twins, both siblings will carry the same genes since they are formed from a single fertilized egg, so both will carry genes associated with a higher likelihood of identical twins.
However, in the case of fraternal twins, each sibling will carry their own unique gene makeup and only one of them will carry the gene that increases the likelihood of fraternal twins. This gene can be carried by either the mother or the father and is believed to be related to the secretion of a hormone known as inhibin.
What are boy girl twins called?
Boy girl twins, also known as fraternal twins, are siblings who were both born at the same time. They usually develop from two separate fertilized eggs, as opposed to identical twins, which develop from a single fertilized egg.
Boy girl twins are unique in that they can comprise of any combination of genders (e. g. two boys, two girls, or one of each). This type of twinning is the most common type, and it accounts for about two-thirds of all twin births.
As with all types of siblings, boy girl twins can have a variety of close relationships, which can range from extremely close and similar to more distinct and independent. While boy girl twins do not share the same genetic material, many times they will share the same environment, parents, and family.
This has been known to create a special bond between the two and can often lead to a greater bond than with single siblings.
Is identical or fraternal twins more rare?
In general, fraternal twins are more common than identical twins. The odds of having a fraternal twin are estimated to be around 3 in 1000, while the odds of having identical twins is much lower, around 1 in 250.
It also depends on certain factors, including your family history and how many children your mother has had in the past. If a woman has already given birth to fraternal twins, the likelihood of having another set is significantly higher than the average.
Additionally, certain ethnicities, such as African Americans and Asians, are more likely to have fraternal twins than people of other ethnicities. Therefore, while fraternal twins are overall more common, identical twins remain a bit of rarity.
What’s more rare identical or fraternal?
Identical twins are much more rare than fraternal twins. Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg splits into two, forming two embryos that share the same genetic information, making them genetically identical.
Fraternal twins, on the other hand, occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm cells. As such, fraternal twins are no more similar genetically or structurally than any other two siblings born at the same time.
Estimates place the rate of identical twin births at around 3 in every 1000, while the rate of fraternal twin births is much higher, estimated at somewhere between 45 and 60 per 1000 births.
Which parent carries the identical twin Gene?
In most cases, both parents of identical twins carry the same genetic material that is passed down to each twin. Identical twins usually occur when a single egg is fertilized and then splits in two, creating two separate embryos with the same genetic information.
This means that both parents carry the same genetic material that is passed down to the twins. So, both parents carry the identical twin gene.
Does the mom or dad carry the twin gene?
The answer to this question depends on whether either the mother or father of the twins carries a “twin gene. ” But research suggests that certain genes do play a role. Factors such as heredity, hormones, and family history all contribute to a mother or father’s predisposition to having twins.
A parent with a family history of fraternal twins is more likely to have twins than someone who does not have a family history of fraternal twins. Ultimately, whether either parent carries the “twin gene” can only be determined by looking at the family history and genetic make-up.
Are identical twins hereditary through the father?
The short answer is yes, identical twins are hereditary through the father. Identical twins occur when a single egg is fertilized by one sperm, which then splits into two genetically identical embryos.
Because the egg that results in identical twins was created in the mother’s body, it originated from the mother’s genetic makeup. However, the sperm that fertilizes the egg comes from the father and so carries his DNA, which is why identical twins can be hereditary through the father.
However, not all cases are so cut and dry. For example, fraternal twins are caused by the fertilization of two separate eggs, which are typically released from the mother’s body during the same menstrual cycle.
If the father has a gene that is linked to this type of twinning, then fraternal twins can also be hereditary through the father. Additionally, it is also possible that multiple sperm fertilize the same egg in rare cases, resulting in twins with different fathers, though this is very unusual.
Ultimately, whether twins are identical or not, they can be hereditary through both the mother and father. In order to determine the exact cause, it is necessary to do testing to analyze the DNA of the twins and their parents.
This can give a better understanding of how the twins’ genetic makeup came to be.
What increases odds of twins?
The specific cause of multiple births is largely unknown. Genetics (inherited traits) may play a role, as fraternal twins have a hereditary component. Women who have a family history or have relatives with a history of twins are more likely to have twins themselves.
Other factors that may increase the chances of having twins include the mother’s age and race. Women over the age of 35 are more likely to release more than one egg during ovulation, which can lead to fraternal twins.
African-American women are also more likely to have twins than Caucasian women.
Additionally, fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ovulation-stimulating drugs can increase the chances of having twins. The use of these treatments can cause more than one egg to be released during ovulation, resulting in a multiple pregnancy.
It is important to note that having twins is a random occurrence and cannot be predicted. While many factors may increase the odds of having twins, the ultimate cause is unknown.
At what age are twins more likely?
Twins are more likely to be born when a woman is of an older age, typically in her 30s and 40s. This is due to a woman’s decreasing fertility levels with age, which can cause her to ovulate two eggs at the same time.
Twins are also more likely to be born to a woman who has already had a baby or is taking fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Identical twins, which are created when a single fertilized egg splits, are also affected by age, but not as much as fraternal twins, which come from two different eggs.
The occurrence of twins increases with age up until around age 40, after which there is a slight decline.
