Mary Allen
Introduction: What is Twinning?
Twinning is the phenomenon where a single fertilized egg splits into two or more embryos, resulting in two or more babies born at the same time. It is a fascinating and complex biological process that has captivated scientists for centuries. While the exact mechanisms of twinning are still being studied, we do know that certain factors can increase the likelihood of it occurring.
Monozygotic vs Dizygotic Twinning
There are two main types of twinning: monozygotic and dizygotic. Monozygotic twins, also known as identical twins, are the result of a single fertilized egg splitting into two embryos. Dizygotic twins, on the other hand, are the result of two separate eggs being fertilized by two separate sperm. In other words, monozygotic twins share the same genetic material, while dizygotic twins do not. Understanding the differences between these two types of twinning is crucial in understanding how and why twinning occurs.