Zygosity Twin Testing can accurately determine whether twins are identical or fraternal. Twins are classified on the basis of similarity between their DNAs; monozygotic twins or identical twins, have identical genetic blue prints, whilst dizygotic twins or non-identical twins do not. Fraternal twins are sometimes referred to as false twins since they are not technically twins as their genetic profiles are not identical. In fact, non identical twins are no different, genetically speaking, to normal siblings. Monozygotic twins are formed from two independent sperm cells and ova, each fertilised egg having its distinct copy of DNA.
Dizygotic twins develop one next to the other in the womb and when it comes to their DNA, they are no different to normal siblings or half siblings. Twins of this type may even have different fathers if the woman had intercourse with two different men is a small time frame; in this case, two independent eggs are fertilised in that short time frame by sperm cells from different men. Identical Twins are considerably rare and form approximately 2% of the world’s total population. The frequency of identical twins born varies from culture to culture, with the rate of monozygotic twins being higher amongst certain ethnic groups and in certain countries. Most identical twins are born in Central Africa. The Republic of Benin has almost 30 identical twin births per 1000- by far the highest in the world. Twin testing is the most accurate way of knowing whether twins are fraternal or identical. The results of the test can be used for a number of reasons, amongst which medical. To find out more about Twin DNA testing or Twin Zygosity testing visit the suggested pages.