Clones are genetically identical copies of a single organism. Cloning is the process of creating clones. Cloning has been used in science for many purposes, including studying genetics and disease. Clones can also be used to create organs for transplants. Cloning is a controversial topic, with some people arguing that it is immoral to create clones.
A clone is a duplicate, just as a photocopy is a duplicate, or copy, of a document (Kolate, 238). Identical twins are examples of natural copies that exist in the world. Cloning methods are used by molecular geneticists and other scientists on a regular basis to replicate various genetic materials such as gene segments and cells (Kolate, 238).
Cloning is also used in the production of therapeutic proteins (Gorman, par. 5). Cloning has been a topic of heated debate for many years, with people on both sides of the issue voicing strong opinions. Some people feel that cloning is unethical because it involves playing God, while others believe that cloning could lead to new medical treatments and cures for diseases (Gorman, par. 6-7). The bottom line is that cloning is a powerful tool that scientists can use to further our understanding of genetics and biology, and as such should be embraced rather than feared.
Cloning a sheep named Dolly completed the transformation of science fiction into reality (Kolate 237). Imagine meeting a perfect replica of someone or yourself seven to ten years in the future (Kaku 6). They are physically identical and have the same genetic makeup. This is the age of cloning; some people believe it, while others despise it.
Cloning is a process where the DNA of one organism is used to create an identical organism. Cloning has been around for centuries, but was first successfully done in 1997 by Dr. Ian Wilmut and his team at the Roslin Institute in Scotland when they cloned Dolly (“What Is Cloning?”). Cloning is currently being used in a variety of ways including creating animals with specific genes bred out or in, preserving endangered species, and helping to study human diseases (Flam 320).
Opponents of cloning say that it is playing God, and that cloning creates copies of organisms rather than creating new life forms. They also believe that cloning will lead to designer babies, where parents could choose the genes of their children (Flam 321).
Supporters of cloning believe that it is a natural process, and that it could be used to prevent diseases and create new treatments (Flam 320). Cloning has the potential to help us understand genetics and how they work. Cloning also has the potential to help us find cures for diseases. Cloning is also thought to be less harmful to the environment than traditional breeding methods (“What Is Cloning?”).
There are many different types of cloning. The most common type of cloning is somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which was used to clone Dolly (Kolate 236). In SCNT, the nucleus from a donor cell is inserted into an egg that has had its own nucleus removed.
The egg is then stimulated to divide and create a new embryo. The embryo is then implanted into a surrogate mother who will give birth to the clone (“What Is Cloning?”). Cloning can also be done using embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are taken from a five-day-old embryo and can be used to create any type of cell in the body (Flam 320).
Cloning is a controversial topic, but it has the potential to help us understand genetics and how they work, find cures for diseases, and help the environment. Cloning is also a natural process that has been around for centuries.
Cloning ancient animals might resurrect those that have gone extinct (Kaku 229). Over the course of millions of years, hundreds of unique species have perished. Natural selection was responsible for about two-thirds of all native bird species (Kendall n/a) and one-fifth of all native plants (Kendall n/a) discovered on the Hawaiian Islands prior to human arrival.
Cloning could help bring some of these animals back to life. Cloning could also help preserve endangered species. For example, the black-footed ferret was almost extinct in the 1970s, but thanks to a successful breeding program that used cloning techniques, their numbers have since recovered (Smithsonian Institution n/a).
Cloning is not only about resurrecting ancient creatures or preserving endangered ones. It can also be used to create customized animals for medical research. For example, scientists might want to study how a particular gene affects an animal’s health. They could clone a copy of the animal with that gene and then study it without affecting the original population. Cloning can also be used to produce livestock that has been genetically modified to have desirable traits. For example, farmers might want to clone cows that produce more milk or pigs that have a lower fat content.
Cloning is a complex process that involves removing the nucleus of an egg cell and replacing it with the nucleus of another cell, such as a skin cell. This process is called nuclear transfer. The egg is then stimulated with electricity or chemicals to start dividing. If all goes well, the embryo will implant in the uterus and grow into a fetus (National Geographic Kids n/a). Cloning has been successfully used to create animals as diverse as cows, goats, horses, and rabbits. However, cloning is not yet perfect. Many cloned animals are born with health problems and do not live long.
Many of the extinctions have been caused by predators, rivals, or diseases brought to the islands by humans from other continents. Many remaining species on other oceanic islands are under serious danger or gone entirely. With cloning, endangered animals that can’t reproduce in captivity may be resurrected (Kaku 227). Cloning could potentially revive a large number of animal species and plant kinds.
Cloning could also prevent extinction. Cloning could help preserve the genetic diversity of a species (“ Cloning ”). Cloning is the process of producing genetically identical individuals from a single individual. Clones are made by splitting an embryo into two or more parts and then growing each part into a separate organism. Cloning can also be done with adult cells, but this is not as common.
Cloning is used in a variety of fields including agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. Cloning has been used to produce livestock for many years. Recently, scientists have cloned human embryos for research purposes. There are both benefits and risks associated with cloning.
One benefit of cloning is that it can be used to preserve endangered species. Another benefit is that cloning can be used to produce organs for transplants. Cloning also has the potential to be used to treat genetic diseases. One risk of cloning is that it could lead to the development of genetic defects. Cloning also poses a risk to the health of the clone. Cloning is a controversial topic and there are many ethical implications associated with it.