Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke
Published on: February 12, 2015
[Environmental factors that influence smoking habits of monozygotic and dizygotic twins]
Mónika Bakkné Nagy1, Dávid László Tárnoki, Adám Domonkos Tárnoki
1Debreceni Egyetem, Népegészségügyi Kar, Komplex Rehabilitáció Msc, Debrecen. nagymona@gmail.com
Introduction:
Smoking habits are influenced by environmental (family, friends) and psychologic factors.
Aim:
To investigate environmental factors which influence the smoking habits of monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
Method:
45 monozygotic and 23 dizygotic twin pairs (age 35±16 years) completed a questionnaire.
Results:
Maternal non-smoking decreases the risk of smoking of the twin children by 53%, while this effect accounts for 49% by the father. Dizygotic twins are more influenced by parents (70%) than monozygotics (31-36%). If the twin or non-twin sibling does not smoke, the risk that the twin individual starts smoking, is decreased by 86% both in monozygotic and dizygotic twins. If an individual smoking is present in the fraternity and he or she does not attempt to quit, the risk of smoking increases 8.3-fold. The role of fraternity is more important in males and youth.
Conclusions:
The parents' and the siblings' exemplary behaviour helps to avoid smoking initiation of young twins.
Related Concept Videos
Gene-Environment Interactions
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
