FORMATION OF TWINS TYPES OF TWINS

Identical twins are formed when one egg after being fertilized by one sperm, divides into two halves. The two halves are genetically identical. Identical twins are usually of the same sex. Fraternal (Non-identical) twins are formed when two egg cells are fertilized; each egg by a different sperm so that two embryos are formed. Fraternal twins can be of the same or opposite sex and they don't have to look at all alike. Conjoined (Siamese) twins are formed exactly like identical twins, but during the split, the embryo does not separate completely to form two separate babies and the twins develop attached to one another.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IDENTICAL AND FRATERNAL TWINS

FORMATION OF TWINS Identical twins are formed from a fertilized egg which splits very early in its embryonic development-giving rise to two embryos with identical genes. These babies will be monozygous, and may share one placenta (monochorionic). Fraternal twins (dizygous) are from two different eggs that fertilize separately, and implant in the uterus at the same or a similar time, but are genetically distinct.

Identical Twins If an egg is fertilized by one sperm and then splits into two, the two embryos that are produced are always the same sex and are identical because they contain the same genetic material; these twins are known as monozygotic. Fraternal Twins Fraternal (dizygotic) twins are the result of two separate eggs being fertilized by two sperms at the same time, so that two embryos implant and develop with two placentas. The twins may look different and be different sexes. Conjoined twins Conjoined Twins are identical twins formed when the zygote splits but does not fully separate. Conjoined twins are classified according to the place on the body where the twins are connected. The model of the conjoined twins shown has two heads and one body. These twins are classified as dicephalus conjoined twins (twins with two heads and one body). Conjoined twins born alive do not always survive long. Of course their chance for survival depends on the development of their vital organs.