Study of Some Morphological Physiological and Serological Parameters in Twins

Abstract

The present study was conducted on 18 pairs of twins. The similarity method was used for zygosity determination. Eight pairs were found to be nonozygotic and the rest dizygotic.

Intra-pair differences regarding various morphological and physiological parameters were observed in these twins. MZ twin pairs showed very small differences for morphological parameters than DZ, confirming that MZ twins have similar genetic makeup. Physiological parameters however showed comparatively larger intra pair differences as they depend more on emotional state of the individual. The mean maternal age was found to be 28 years in our sample. The twinning tendency was found to be inherited in 50 percent of the cases with paternal transmission being more common (38.8 percent) than maternal.

None of the mothers admitted the intake of fertility drugs. No heritable diseases were detected though in a few cases one of the pair was reported to be more prone to some allergic or infectious conditions.