[MHGinTN]

Yes, and yes. This woman has cells with one specific 46 chromosome identity and living right alongside those cells, cells with a different 46 chromosome complement. What makews this possible, as I understand it, is that both sets of cells have the same histocompatibility thus are both recognized as being 'her'. [This is a function of same mitochondrial make up, since both sets of chromosomes derived from oocytes produced by her mother's body; mitochondria is passed down to each of us through the mother's gamete(s).]

[wizardoz]

Hm. Well. Alrighty then.

[MHGinTN]

Could you check me on this reply? Thanks

[MineralMan]

"Yes, and yes. This woman has cells with one specific 46 chromosome identity and living right alongside those cells, cells with a different 46 chromosome complement. What makews this possible, as I understand it, is that both sets of cells have the same histocompatibility thus are both recognized as being 'her'. [This is a function of same mitochondrial make up, since both sets of chromosomes derived from oocytes produced by her mother's body; mitochondria is passed down to each of us through the mother's gamete(s).]"


I did some Googling on "human chimeras" and found some interesting stuff. For one thing, there are chimeras which are fraternal twins of opposite sexes. One case in England had a child with one testicle and one ovary, so that is possible as well.

Another site raised a question that I'd like to see some of the religious thinkers answer: If this person is a merging of two fraternal twins, does the person have two souls or just one?

I find this phenomenon fascinating!

[NYer]

I once had an adult student whose neck suddenly swelled out, just below the jawbone. After conducting a series of tests, the doctor told her she would require surgery to remove a gill that had not dissolved during her fetal development.

[brwnsuga]

And in English this meanssss..........?