Cloning

Definition and Purpose

Cloning is a biotechnological technique that creates copies of organisms or fragments of DNA.
It can serve numerous applications in medicine, agriculture and conservation, including preserving endangered species, manufacturing pharmaceuticals and enhancing crop and animal traits.

Reproductive cloning produces an exact genetic copy of an organism using a process known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Therapeutic cloning involves creating embryonic stem cells for experiments aimed at creating tissues to replace injured or diseased tissues.
Molecular cloning is the process of making multiple molecules or cloning DNA fragments.

In SCNT, the nucleus, which contains genetic material, is removed from an unfertilized egg.
The nucleus from a donor cell, such as a skin cell, is then inserted into the enucleated egg.
After implantation into a surrogate mother, the resulted embryo develops into an organism that is genetically identical to the donor organism.

Medical Research: Cloning has the potential to revolutionise the field of medicine by allowing researchers to develop and refine treatments for a range of diseases.
Preservation of Endangered Species: Cloning can help increase the population of endangered species and maintain biodiversity.
Livestock Production: Cloning can be used to create superior animals with desirable traits, which can help improve the efficiency and quality of livestock production.

Lack of Genetic Variation: Cloned populations have identical genes, which could make them vulnerable to environmental changes and diseases.
Ethical and Moral Issues: Cloning raises a variety of ethical issues related to human dignity, rights, identity, and individuality.
Safety Concerns: Cloning often results in developmental problems, early ageing and premature death, raising concerns about its safety and effectiveness.

The potential abuse of cloning technology, such as creating designer babies, raises significant ethical and societal issues.
The possible exploitation of women for egg donation also poses ethical concerns.
Therapeutic cloning, using human embryos solely for research, raises controversy particularly over when a human life begins.