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Question

Question: Do identical twins have the same DNA fingerprints?...

Do identical twins have the same DNA fingerprints?

Explanation

Solution

Identical twins have a lot in common in terms of personality traits, hobbies, and behaviours. They have the same genetic code and are derived from the same fertilised egg. Our genetic code is a very large part of our genetic makeup, but there are other factors, genetic and environmental, that make us unique.

Complete answer:
Identical twins have a lot in common in terms of personality traits, hobbies, and behaviours. They have the same genetic code and are derived from the same fertilised egg.
They are indistinguishable using a standard DNA test. However, any forensics expert will tell you that there is at least one method to tell them apart: identical twins do not have identical fingerprints.
Fingerprints, like physical appearance and personality, are heavily influenced by a person's DNA as well as a range of contextual factors.
The general patterns on a fingertip, which appear as arches, loops, and whorls, are determined by genetics. One of these patterns, or a combination of them, can be found on a single finger.
The ridges along these patterns are influenced by a variety of events as a foetus is developing, including bone growth, womb pressures, and contact with amniotic fluid.
Identical twins frequently have a similar pattern arrangement, but never the same minute details. "Fingerprint research has been going on for about a century, and no two people have ever been found to have the same prints."
By the fifth month of pregnancy, the patterns on a person's fingers, palms, and feet are fully formed. They remain the same throughout life, with the exception of changes caused by severe mutilation or a skin disease, in which case they change only slightly.

Note:
To avoid investigators, the legendary Depression-era gangster sought to modify his face characteristics and destroy his fingerprints with acid. After Dillinger's death, scientists were able to determine a handful of his residual ridge patterns and readily identify him. Di twins are the lowest risk type of twins as both babies have their own placenta and amniotic sac.