Chapter 9, Problem 8WIO

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Whether it is possible for a boy-girl pair of twins to be genetically identical.

Introduction:

The process of meiosis produces four genetically different haploid nuclei. This process produces egg cells in females and sperms in males. When the egg and sperm unite at fertilization, zygote forms. When mitosis follows, each daughter cell contains the same genetic material as the zygote. If an early embryo splits just a few hours or days after fertilization and the resulting split is complete, then it results in the formation of identical twins. If the split is incomplete, then conjoined twins develop.