Human Cloning Facts
Human cloning is the process by which DNA is used to make a copy of a single cell or, ultimately, an entire human being. Although the ramifications for human cloning are numerous, scientific research continues in the field for the purpose of genetic manipulation and therapy.
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Types
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Three distinct types of human cloning exist, each designed for a different purpose. DNA cloning is the replication of DNA; reproductive cloning is reproducing an entire person; and therapeutic cloning is the process of replicating organs, tissues or cells.
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Function
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Human cloning is very useful for learning about the human body and biotechnology. Specifically, DNA research can be utilized for gene therapy, genetic engineering and genome sequencing.
History
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According to a biotechnology company, Advanced Cell Technology, the first human embryos were cloned in 2001. However, this attempt proved fruitless as the embryos stopped cellular division after only six cells.
Significance
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While human beings have not been successfully cloned as of 2009, research into a variety of other animals has proven that the technology will exist. The first mammal to be cloned, Dolly the Sheep in 1996, showed that a complex organism could be cloned.
Considerations
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Despite multiple attempts since 2001, legislation to ban human cloning in the United States has not passed as of 2009. The Human Cloning Prohibition Act passed the House of Representatives in 2001 and 2003, but failed to come to the floor in the Senate.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Christian Guthier
