Mind-Blowing Facts About Genetics That Doctors Wish We All Knew

One of the most fascinating conditions in genetics is called genetic chimera, after the mythical chimera. It happens when two fertilized eggs combine very early in development to create a single organism. This can lead to different parts of the body having different sets of DNA.

In some rare cases, a woman can give birth to a baby whose DNA doesn’t match hers. We often see this in animals with unusual color patterns, which can sometimes be divided symmetrically. While it might sound like something out of science fiction, genetic chimera is a real phenomenon that highlights the incredible complexity and diversity of life.