Idendtical Twins Fingerprints

**whatwasithinking** · 02-07-2006 11:20

Just wondering if parents of identical twins or anyone else for that matter can answer a really bugging burning question for me.

Do INDENTICAL twins have the same fingerprints? (Considering they are from the same egg)

Just wondering as it has made me think after watching the neighbours storyline of Cameron and Robert and why they just don't take fingerprints to prove who each are.

Sorry if I am asking a really dumb question. I am sooooo curious that's all.

**cwsmum** · 02-07-2006 11:40

Not sure about the fingerprints thing...but on neighbours the crazy brother was taking things into the hospi and putting the other ones fingerprints onto them...I saw him do it with a gun and something else too.

**KarniF00l** · 02-07-2006 11:45

I'm guessing if they were smart enough they would do a handwriting analysis (sp?) because the 'bad' twin did keep a journal or log of all the happenings.

**drewid** · 02-07-2006 12:00

Only slightly off topic, but I refuse to believe that Gail and Elle could not tell the difference between Cameron and Robert. Puh-lease.

More on the topic, I think that the fingerprints are the same, as is their DNA. I think for identification purposes they usually have to look more at dental and medical records. (I've read too many crime novels I think). But could be wrong, it is called fiction for a reason

**Miaow** · 02-07-2006 14:30

This got me wondering since i have idential twin brothers though i can tell the difference between them as they are slightly different in the faces - anyway i looked it up and found this if it helps

So, do identical twins have identical fingerprints? The basic answer is NO. Identical -- or monozygotic -- twins form when a single fertilized egg splits in two after conception. Because they form from a single zygote, the two individuals will have the same genetic makeup. Their DNA is virtually indistinguishable.

However, fingerprints are not an entirely genetic characteristic. Scientists love to use this topic as an example of the old "nature vs. nurture" debate. Fingerprinting, along with other physical characteristics, is an example of a phenotype -- meaning that it is determined by the interaction of an indivdual's genes and the developmental environment in the uterus.

The ultimate shape of fingerprints are believed to be influenced by environmental factors during pregnancy, like nutrition, blood pressure, position in the womb and the growth rate of the fingers at the end of the first trimester. Thus, you will find similar partterns of whorls and ridges in the fingerprints of identical twins. But there will also be differences -- just as there are differences between the fingers on any individual's hands.

http://multiples.about.com/cs/funfac...ingerprint.htm