While these researcher have concluded that monozygotic twins are not genetically identical, their conclusion is based on assuming that schizophrenia is completely genetic. It's more likely that schizophrenia is genetically predispositioned in some people and their experiences and environment will bring out the disease, not via a genetic mechanism. The researcher assume that it is 100% genetics. I think the conclusion that twins are not genetically identical is too far of a leap based on this information. Additionally, if identical twins are not genetically identical, then we need to review all of the studies and research which have been done on them and given us many of our current theories in genetics, psychology, medical science, and many others.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Identical twins not identical
An article highlights the research done by a molecular geneticist on monozygotic twins and schizophrenia in which one twin develops the disease but the other does not. The scientist concludes that identical twins are not really 100% genetically identical. They actually differ in about 12% of their DNA, according to this researcher. Their conclusion is based on the assumption that if one twin has schizophrenia, then the other should have a 100% chance of developing it as well. They theorize that while the initial contribution by both parents is the same, epigenetics plays a role in gene expression. The cells divide and differentiate in their own experience and may lose or acquire DNA. "The genome is not static", says the lead researcher, Shiva Singh. In other words, while the genetic combination may initially be the same, every individual has a unique experience, unique environment input beginning in the womb. The environment and experience of an embryo and on may affect genetic expression.
While these researcher have concluded that monozygotic twins are not genetically identical, their conclusion is based on assuming that schizophrenia is completely genetic. It's more likely that schizophrenia is genetically predispositioned in some people and their experiences and environment will bring out the disease, not via a genetic mechanism. The researcher assume that it is 100% genetics. I think the conclusion that twins are not genetically identical is too far of a leap based on this information. Additionally, if identical twins are not genetically identical, then we need to review all of the studies and research which have been done on them and given us many of our current theories in genetics, psychology, medical science, and many others.
Identical or not?
While these researcher have concluded that monozygotic twins are not genetically identical, their conclusion is based on assuming that schizophrenia is completely genetic. It's more likely that schizophrenia is genetically predispositioned in some people and their experiences and environment will bring out the disease, not via a genetic mechanism. The researcher assume that it is 100% genetics. I think the conclusion that twins are not genetically identical is too far of a leap based on this information. Additionally, if identical twins are not genetically identical, then we need to review all of the studies and research which have been done on them and given us many of our current theories in genetics, psychology, medical science, and many others.
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