tetragametic chimera
Quick Summary
A tetragametic chimera is an organism or tissue containing at least two different sets of DNA, typically resulting from the fusion of two zygotes (fertilized eggs). This means the individual originates from four gametes, or sex cells.1
Unlike mosaics, which arise from a single zygote, or hybrids, which come from different species, tetragametic chimeras are formed when two fertilized eggs fuse. The resulting tissues can be composed of cells from one or both original zygotes.1
Observable signs can include different eye colors, patchy skin pigmentation, or ambiguous genitalia. However, many tetragametic chimeras show no outward symptoms and are only identified through genetic analysis, often during tissue matching for organ transplants.1
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