Identical (Monozygotic) Twins

Definition

Identical twins are two offspring resulting from one zygote that, at an early stage of development, separated into two embryos. They share the same genetic material.

Analogy

Identical twins are like two houses built from the exact same blueprint. Even though they're separate structures, they were created using identical plans and thus have many similarities.

Related terms

Fraternal (Dizygotic) Twins: These are twins who developed from separate fertilized eggs. They're like two houses built from different blueprints - similar in some ways because they're both houses, but not identical.

Concordance Rate: This is a term used in genetics which indicates the percentage of cases where both twins express a certain trait if one twin expresses that trait. It's like comparing how often both houses need repairs if one house has a problem.

Clone: A clone is an organism or cell that is genetically identical to another. Like creating another house with the exact same blueprint as the first one.