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Monozygotic twins have exactly identical DNA (99.9% identical) except for the generally undetectable micro mutations that begin as soon as the first cell starts dividing.
Genetics help determine the general patterns on a fingertip (arches, loops and whorls).
Fingerprint patterns are set between the 13th and 19th weeks of development in the womb.
Fingerprints of identical twins start their development from the same DNA, so they show considerable generic similarity. But identical twins are situated in different parts of the womb during development, so, each foetus encounters slightly different intra uterine forces
from their siblings. Then fingerprints of identical twins have different microdetails which can be used for identification purposes.
Identical twins are indistinguishable to a standard DNA test. However, a state-of-the-art automatic fingerprint verification system can successfully distinguish identical twins.1,2,3
In conclusion, identical twins have similar fingerprints, but they do not have identical fingerprints.
Dr. Nicolas Kioumji
Pediatric
