CLONING

CLONING

Cloning is the process by which genetically replica of a molecule (e.g. DNA), cell or entire organism is made

There are three types of cloning:DNA cloning: The transfer of a fraction of DNA(gene) from one organism to a self replicating element such as a bacterial-plasmidWhen cloned genes are used to modify a human, the process is called gene therapy.

Reproductive cloning: The technique used to generate an animal with the same DNA as another living or already dead animal. e.g. Dolly the sheep – the first mammal to be cloned.

Therapeutic cloning: AKA “embryo cloning”. Human embryos are cloned for research. The aim is to harvest stem cell to study human development and also for the repair of damaged tissues and organs

PROCESS OF CLONING

CLONED ANIMALS

• Stem cells are cells in the human body that has not yet differentiated

• New stem cells or specialized somatic cells can develop from these cells

• Stem cells are obtained from aborted foetuses or umbilical cords of new born babies

• They can be preserved for future use

STEM CELLS

• Cloning is not natural• The selection of “perfect” genes is

sometimes influenced by scientist’s prejudice

• Decreases genetic variation• Cloned animals are weak and usually

die prematurely due to increase risk of cancer and other diseases

VIEWS AGAINST CLONING

• Selection of “good” genes• Can be an option for infertile couples• Cloning of animals for high quality

milk, meat and egg production.• Can be used to save or re-create

extinct animals• Can be used to treat diseases

VIEWS IN FAVOUR

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• Who takes responsibility of a cloned organism? What are the laws regarding cloning?

• Research on the cloning of humans involves experimenting on people. Is that ethical?

• Are we God?

ETHICAL ASPECTS

DE-EXTINCTION

Pyrenean ibex