monozygotic twin
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - One of two siblings born from a single fertilized egg that splits: A "monozygotic twin" is one individual of a pair of twins who originate from a single zygote (fertilized egg). This egg splits into two separate embryos early in development. - Genetically identical sibling: Because they develop from the same zygote, monozygotic twins share virtually identical genetic material.
Usage
- The term is used in scientific, medical, and general contexts to specify the type of twinning and the genetic relationship between the twins.
- It is often contrasted with "dizygotic twins" (fraternal twins), who develop from two separate fertilized eggs.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Monozygotic twinning": The process or event where a single zygote divides to form two embryos.
- The causes of monozygotic twinning are not fully understood.
- Used attributively (as an adjective) in compound nouns like "monozygotic twin study" or "monozygotic twin pair."
- Research involving monozygotic twin pairs is valuable for genetics.
Variants and Related Words
- Identical twin: The common, non-technical synonym for "monozygotic twin."
- Dizygotic twin (n): The technical term for a fraternal twin, which develops from a separate fertilized egg.
- Zygote (n): The cell formed by the union of a sperm and an egg; a fertilized egg.
Synonyms
- Identical twin: The most frequent synonym in everyday language.
Notes on Meaning
- While "monozygotic twins" are often called "identical," minor genetic differences can occur after the egg splits. They are always of the same sex.
- The term precisely describes the biological origin (one zygote), whereas "identical" describes the observable genetic similarity.
Noun
- either of two twins developed from the same fertilized ovum (having the same genetic material)