monozygotic
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Derived from a single fertilized egg: Describes twins (or other multiples) that originate from one zygote (a single egg fertilized by a single sperm) which subsequently splits into two or more embryos.
Usage
- This term is used almost exclusively in biological, medical, and genetic contexts to describe the origin of twins or other multiples.
- It is a technical adjective that modifies nouns like "twins," "siblings," or "offspring."
Examples
- Adjective:
- Monozygotic twins share 100% of their genetic material.
- The study compared the health outcomes of monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
- Because they are monozygotic, the two sisters are genetically identical.
Advanced Usage
- "monozygotic pregnancy": A pregnancy resulting from a single fertilized egg that has split.
- A monozygotic pregnancy carries specific risks, such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
- Used in contrast with "dizygotic" (fraternal twins, from two separate eggs).
Variants and Related Words
- Monozygosity (noun): The state or condition of being derived from a single zygote.
- DNA testing confirmed the monozygosity of the twins.
- MZ twins (abbreviation): A common abbreviation for "monozygotic twins."
Synonyms
- Identical (in the context of twins): Genetically identical twins.
- Note: "Identical twins" is the common, non-technical term for "monozygotic twins."
Antonyms
- Dizygotic (adj.): Derived from two separate fertilized eggs; fraternal.
- Fraternal (in the context of twins): The common term for dizygotic twins.
Adjective
- derived from a single fertilized egg
- monozygotic twins