Silly Question About Embryonic/fetal Development Posted: 08-14-04 23:53pm
I learned in biology class last year that
a fertilized egg cell that splits can
result in twins, and further cell division
can mean more offspring.
Here's my question for all you science
buffs in the house...If a completely
divided zygote makes twins, will a
partially divided one make siamese
twins?
...........
Linz - should have looked on a science
forum for this o.O
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Kia
Supporter
Joined: 23 Jun 2004 Posts: 6594 Location: Planet Tampaxia,
Posted: 08-15-04 05:45am
I'll tell you what I know.
Once a sperm is in the egg, division
starts. Therefore it becomes two cells.
A good way to think of identical twins is
this (probably not quite scientifically
correct but it gets the idea across) so
the first divison has happened, but then
then 2cell "forgets" where it was and
starts over, thus each of the 2 cells
starts at the beginning hence identical
twins.
Other ways to get twins are
2 sperm into 1 egg
2 sperm into 2 eggs
these however will not be identical and
may even be boy/girl instead of boy/boy
girl/girl.
Can't really advise on multiple
pregnancies however try google.
Given how cells divide into 2 triplets
(and other odd numbers) pose a possible
question - were they 4 (or even number
above) and one got re-absorbed?
