❓ why

Why do identical twins have the same DNA but not always the same fingerprints?

Human BiologyTwin Genetics

Quick Answer

Identical twins come from the same fertilized egg, so they share nearly all their DNA. Fingerprints differ because they are shaped by in-the-womb conditions as well as genes.

The Full Story

Identical twins, also called monozygotic twins, begin as a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos. Their genomes are therefore extremely similar, but fingerprint patterns are influenced by local growth conditions in the womb, including pressure and movement. As a result, identical twins usually have very similar ridge patterns but not the same exact fingerprints. This is a good example of how biology is shaped by both inheritance and development.

Key Facts

1.Identical twins come from one fertilized egg
2.Their DNA is nearly the same
3.Fingerprints are shaped by both genes and fetal development

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Suggested video title for this topic:

"Why identical twins still don’t have identical fingerprints!"