Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Genetically identical refers to twins who share the exact same DNA, meaning they originated from a single fertilized egg that split into two separate embryos. This results in twins who have almost identical physical features and characteristics.
Related terms
Monozygotic Twins: Monozygotic twins are another term for genetically identical twins. They develop from a single zygote (fertilized egg) and have the same genetic makeup.
Embryo Splitting: This term refers to the process by which one fertilized egg splits into two separate embryos, resulting in genetically identical twins.
Clones: Clones are organisms that are created through artificial means to produce individuals with identical genetic information. They can be considered similar to genetically identical twins, although clones are not naturally occurring in humans.