Differences in Identical Twin DNA Revealed
Eurofins Scientific of Ebersburg, Germany, has uncovered a genetic dissimilarity between identical twins. Previous to this discovery, it has been scientifically accepted that identical twins could not be genetically differentiated. Forensic investigators have largely had to avoid DNA use in court when involving an identical twin. This discovery can change that. Eurofins used ultra-deep next generation sequencing at their Genomics lab to sustain the hypothesis that rare mutations occur around the time the egg splits to form monozygotic twins that will carry through development. The study that led to this conclusion used the DNA from a pair of identical twins and one twin’s son. They found the son and father twin to share a mutation that was not present in the other twin’s DNA.
Check out the article here!
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Eurofins MWG Operon. Forensic Magazine. Genetic Differences Between “Identical” Twins Discovered. Retrieved December 12, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/12/genetic-differences-between-identical-twins-discovered#.UqlF82RDs3M
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
