Abstract

A prerequisite for the optimal use of the twin method in human genetics is an accurate determination of the zygosity at birth. This diagnosis is sometimes hampered by the lack of available specific markers. We report here the use of DNA variants (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) as genetic markers for zygosity determination. We have analysed the placental DNA of 22 twin pairs with known zygosity on Southern blots by hybridisation with polymorphic human DNA probes. We looked at six different polymorphic sites using four restriction enzymes and six DNA probes. Among 10 dizygotic (DZ) pairs, only one was not demonstrably different and seven had at least two discordances. Within each of the 12 monozygotic (MZ) pairs there was complete concordance. Thus, nine of 10 dizygotic and 12 of 12 monozygotic twins were assigned their correct zygosity solely by comparison of six DNA variants. The use of these highly polymorphic DNA probes may have practical importance for antenatal diagnosis and paternity testing.