Having a clone in the family would certainly make for one confusing family tree.
Asked by: Edie Sudlow, Wokingham
Identical twins have the same DNA as each other, but different from their parents. A clone, however, only has one parent and has exactly the same DNA as that parent.
But even so, a clone isn’t a perfect copy. We now know that the way genes are turned on and off is greatly affected by the environment. Twins share the same uterus during development so they are exposed to the same mix of nutrients and hormones. A clone grows in a different uterus and at a different time from the parent animal, so it isn’t necessarily identical to the way its parent looked at the same age – even at birth.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun facts.
Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.
Subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine and try 3 issues for just $9.95
Discover our latest special editions covering a range of fascinating topics from the latest scientific discoveries to the big ideas explained.
Listen to some of the brightest names in science and technology talk about the ideas and breakthroughs shaping our world.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.