Define Reproductive Cloning

The fisrt major example of animal cloning was a sheep named Dolly.

The process of cloning represents a major breakthrough in understanding of genetics. Using various methods, scientists are able to create exact copies of living organisms, more alike than twins due to the genetic replication. The science of cloning allows researchers numerous insights into genetics, allowing for advancements to be made in other areas of research, such as health care.

Cloning Definition

According to the Center for Genetics and Society, "reproductive cloning is the production of a genetic duplicate of an existing organism" and "essentially a form of asexual reproduction." Most cloning processes involve the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SMCT) method. During SMTC, a body cell nucleus from one animal is placed into an egg that has had the nucleus removed from it. A clone embryo forms in the egg, which is then placed inside the mother animal. Once the mother brings the embryo to term, a clone is born with the exact genetic features of the original body cell donor.

Cloning History

Cloning has been practiced by genetic scientists for many years. In 1952, scientists managed to clone the first animal, a tadpole. Since then, cloning research progressed with the intent of successfully replicating large animals. In 1997, Scottish scientists at the Roslin Institute successfully cloned "Dolly," a sheep, raising questions about the possibility of human cloning. The first clone of a wild animal occurred in 2001, when researchers replicated a gaur, an endangered wild ox.

Uses for Cloning

Cloning technology offers a number of uses outside the obvious practice of replicating organisms. Cloning research can be used to understand other types of genetic technology, such as genetic modification and genome research. Genetic engineering can be used to improve crop yields and nutritional content. Furthermore, cloning research can allow scientists the ability to genetically manufacture viruses to attack certain genetic conditions and ailments.

Risks of Cloning

The primary risk of cloning research comes in the relative inefficiency of the science. Often, more than 90 percent of cloning procedures fail to produce a living offspring. The Human Genome Project reports that cloned animals are often less hardy and more susceptible to weakness and disease. Additionally, cloning increases the likelihood of defects and abnormalities, due to the nature of using only one organism as the source of genetic material. During natural reproduction, both parents provide genes for the creation of the offspring, weeding out weak and defective genes. Cloning does away with the two-parent process, and increases the chances of bad genetics manifesting in the offspring.

Cloning Controversy and Opposition

Cloning has been the source of much opposition, increasing dramatically after the successful creation of the sheep "Dolly." Opponents of cloning argue that the practice of cloning in immoral, and that the process creates a mindset that nature can be created like a product, manufactured with specific sets of characteristics. These concerns, along with the high fail rate for cloned organisms, has led many scientists to declare the cloning of human beings to be unethical and dangerous.

References

• Center for Genetics and Society: Reproductive Cloning
• Human Genome Project Information: Cloning Fact Sheet