Dizygotic twins
Dizygotic Twins
Dizygotic twins (pronunciation: di-zy-got-ic twins), also known as fraternal twins, are a type of multiple birth where two separate ova are fertilized by two separate sperm.
Etymology
The term "dizygotic" comes from the Greek words "di", meaning "two", and "zygote", meaning "joined or yoked". It refers to the fact that two separate fertilized eggs are involved, as opposed to monozygotic twins, where one fertilized egg splits into two.
Characteristics
Dizygotic twins are genetically as similar as any other siblings, sharing approximately 50% of their genes, just like brothers and sisters from separate births. They can be of the same sex or different sexes, and may or may not look alike. The likelihood of a woman having dizygotic twins is influenced by several factors, including her age, race, and family history.
Related Terms
- Monozygotic twins: Twins who are genetically identical, resulting from the splitting of a single fertilized egg.
- Conjoined twins: Twins who are physically connected to each other in utero.
- Twin: One of two offspring born at the same birth.
- Multiple births: The birth of more than one offspring at a time.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dizygotic twins
- Wikipedia's article - Dizygotic twins
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