Identical twins each carry the same genome, but over time, can develop different phenotypes. How can you explain this?

Key Concepts

Genotype vs. Phenotype

The genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, while the phenotype is the observable physical and physiological traits resulting from the interaction of the genotype with the environment. Identical twins share the same genotype, but differences in their phenotypes can arise due to environmental factors and individual experiences.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Environmental influences, such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins, can lead to epigenetic modifications that affect how genes are expressed, potentially resulting in different phenotypes in identical twins.

Environmental Influences

Environmental influences encompass a wide range of factors, including lifestyle, nutrition, and social interactions, that can impact an individual's development and health. For identical twins, even slight differences in their environments can lead to variations in their phenotypes, despite having identical genetic information.