2012 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2012. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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Are there small genetic difference between identical twins?
     Surabhi Mulchandani: I am a genetic counselor working at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I interpret complex genetic test results and see patients for diagnosis and counseling of genetic disorders. Yes there are. Since our cells keep dividing as long as we live. Some changes get introduce after we are born as well. These are called somatic changes. Apart from the changes in the genetic code, some changes occur because of our environment, they are called epigenetic change. Identical have these somatic and epigenetic differences.
Crosby-Ironton High School in MN (10th grade student)

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