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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If my great great grandma was a twin, what are the chances that I will have twins?
     Brandon Colby: I am the author of the book "Outsmart Your Genes", which discusses genetic testing and the personal genomics revolution. I am also the CEO & Medical Director of Existence Genetics, a company that provides comprehensive genetic testing services to healthcare professionals. I practice Predictive Medicine in Los Angeles, California. If someone in your family was a twin then that does increase the chances that you will have twins. However, the exact percentage chance that you will have a twin since your great great grandma was a twin cannot be accurately determined. All we know is that it appears that an increased chance of having a twin can be inherited, or past down in the genetic makeup of a person, and therefore if one person in your family was a twin then it is more likely that other people in your family may also have twins. The genetics of this (the genes that cause this) are still being worked out by geneticists and a lot more research is needed.
Peru High School in IN (9th grade student)

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