Facts on Cloning
Cloning refers to making duplicate biological material. Different kinds of cloning processes have different aims, though many people only know about reproductive cloning, or creating a twin by using genetic material from a living organism; other kinds of cloning are DNA cloning and therapeutic cloning.
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First Mammal Cloned
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Dolly the sheep was the first mammal created through cloning DNA from another animal. Created in 1996, Dolly died in 2003.
DNA Cloning
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In DNA cloning (recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning, or molecular cloning), DNA fragments are transferred to self-replicating biological material that then makes copies of the DNA along with itself.
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DNA Cloning Use
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In use since the 70s, DNA cloning is now commonplace in molecular biology labs, where it's used for gene therapy, genetic engineering and sequencing genomes.
Reproductive Cloning
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To create an animal's twin, scientists employ somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), in which a DNA-containing nucleus of an adult animal's cell replaces an egg's nucleus; the resulting embryo is transferred to a female, which carries the clone to term.
Therapeutic Cloning
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Therapeutic cloning creates human embryos for stem cell harvesting. Stem cells can become other kinds of cells, like heart cells, and could in the future be used to replace a patient's damaged organs.
Cloning Potential
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Reproductive cloning could eventually repopulate endangered or even extinct animals; therapeutic cloning might eventually help create replacement organs.
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References
- Photo Credit Flavio Takemoto/SXC.hu
