What is it? Types? Cloning is:
a cell, cell product, or organism that is genetically identical to the unit or individual from which it was derived.
The term cloning describes a number of different processes that can be used to produce genetically identical copies of a biological entity. The copied material, which has the same genetic makeup as the original, is referred to as a clone.
Researchers have cloned a wide range of biological materials, including genes, cells, tissues and even entire organisms, such as a sheep.
Types:
DNA cloning- terms recombinant DNA technology or DNA cloning means the transfer of a DNA fragment of interest from one organism to a genetic element which has the capability of self-replicating. A good example of recombinant DNA technology is the bacterial plasmid. The DNA cloning can then be circularized in a foreign host cell. This technology has been adopted by the scientists since the 1970s, and it has become a quite regular practice in molecular biology labs in the modern day labs.
Reproductive cloning- Reproductive cloning is the genetic technology which is utilized to generate an animal which has the same nuclear DNA as that of any other currently or previously existing animal. Dolly, the sheep was created by following the technology of reproductive cloning. According to the core scientificterminology, this process is known as the somatic cell nuclear transfer or SCNT.
Therapeutic cloning- cloning of the embryo; treat and diagnose diseases properly, important to biomedical research, can generate any type of specialized cell in the human body
Pros/Benefits:
Reproductive cloning- Reproductive cloning is the genetic technology which is utilized to generate an animal which has the same nuclear DNA as that of any other currently or previously existing animal. Dolly, the sheep was created by following the technology of reproductive cloning. According to the core scientificterminology, this process is known as the somatic cell nuclear transfer or SCNT.
Therapeutic cloning- cloning of the embryo; treat and diagnose diseases properly, important to biomedical research, can generate any type of specialized cell in the human body
Pros/Benefits:For cloning animals/ plants it would give us a higher food supply.
If the vital organs of the human body can be cloned, they can serve as backup systems for human beings. Cloning body parts can serve as a lifesaver. When a body organ such as a kidney or heart fails to function, it may be possible to replace it with the cloned body organ.
Cloning technologies can prove helpful for the researchers in genetics.
pros: Amounts of food will multiple drastically because of the increase in animals.
Cons: There are countries that are in overpopulation, so why do we need this? Cloning created identical genes. It is a process of replicating a genetic constitution, thus hampering the diversity in genes. While lessening the diversity in genes, we weaken our ability of adaptation. Cloning is also detrimental to the beauty that lies in diversity.
Costs: 1.7 million to clone a human (this is an estimate)
To treat one patient it could cost over $100,000 for therapeutic cloning.
Failures/Defects: A two month old calf, cloned from genes taken from the ear of an adult cow, died after developing blood and heart problems.
Types of Animals Cloned:
What are the uses? Why do it?
Cloning for medical purposes
Of all the reasons, cloning for medical purposes has the most potential to benefit large numbers of people. How might cloning be used in medicine? ▪Cloning animal models of disease
Much of what researchers learn about human disease comes from studying animal models such as mice. Often, animal models are genetically engineered to carry disease-causing mutations in their genes. Creating these transgenic animals is a time-intensive process that requires trial-and-error and several generations of breeding. Cloning technologies might reduce the time needed to make a transgenic animal model, and the result would be a population of genetically identical animals for study. ▪Cloning stem cells for research
Stem cells are the body's building blocks, responsible for developing, maintaining and repairing the body throughout life. As a result, they might be used to repair damaged or diseased organs and tissues. Researchers are currently looking toward cloning as a way to create genetically defined human stem cells for research and medical purposes. ▪"Pharming" for drug production Farm animals such as cows, sheep and goats are currently being genetically engineered to produce drugs or proteins that are useful in medicine. Just like creating animal models of disease, cloning might be a faster way to produce large herds of genetically engineered animals. Find out more about this research in the feature article Reproducing a Deceased Pet
No joke! If you had enough money, you could clone your beloved family cat. At least one biotechnology company in the United States offers cat cloning services for the privileged and bereaved, and they are now working to clone dogs. But don't assume that your cloned kitty will be exactly the same as the one you know and love.
4. Cloning Humans?
To clone or not to clone: that is the question. The prospect of cloning humans is highly controversial and raises a number of ethical, legal and social challenges that need to be considered.
Why would anyone want to clone humans? Some reasons include:
▪ To help infertile couples have children ▪ To replace a deceased child
Cloning
Cloning Google Doc
What is it? Types? Cloning is:
a cell, cell product, or organism that is genetically identical to the unit or individual from which it was derived.
The term cloning describes a number of different processes that can be used to produce genetically identical copies of a biological entity. The copied material, which has the same genetic makeup as the original, is referred to as a clone.
Researchers have cloned a wide range of biological materials, including genes, cells, tissues and even entire organisms, such as a sheep.
Types:
DNA cloning- terms recombinant DNA technology or DNA cloning means the transfer of a DNA fragment of interest from one organism to a genetic element which has the capability of self-replicating. A good example of recombinant DNA technology is the bacterial plasmid. The DNA cloning can then be circularized in a foreign host cell. This technology has been adopted by the scientists since the 1970s, and it has become a quite regular practice in molecular biology labs in the modern day labs.
Reproductive cloning- Reproductive cloning is the genetic technology which is utilized to generate an animal which has the same nuclear DNA as that of any other currently or previously existing animal. Dolly, the sheep was created by following the technology of reproductive cloning. According to the core scientificterminology, this process is known as the somatic cell nuclear transfer or SCNT.
Therapeutic cloning- cloning of the embryo; treat and diagnose diseases properly, important to biomedical research, can generate any type of specialized cell in the human body
Reproductive cloning- Reproductive cloning is the genetic technology which is utilized to generate an animal which has the same nuclear DNA as that of any other currently or previously existing animal. Dolly, the sheep was created by following the technology of reproductive cloning. According to the core scientificterminology, this process is known as the somatic cell nuclear transfer or SCNT.
Therapeutic cloning- cloning of the embryo; treat and diagnose diseases properly, important to biomedical research, can generate any type of specialized cell in the human body
Pros/Benefits:For cloning animals/ plants it would give us a higher food supply.
If the vital organs of the human body can be cloned, they can serve as backup systems for human beings. Cloning body parts can serve as a lifesaver. When a body organ such as a kidney or heart fails to function, it may be possible to replace it with the cloned body organ.
Cloning technologies can prove helpful for the researchers in genetics.
pros: Amounts of food will multiple drastically because of the increase in animals.
Cons: There are countries that are in overpopulation, so why do we need this? Cloning created identical genes. It is a process of replicating a genetic constitution, thus hampering the diversity in genes. While lessening the diversity in genes, we weaken our ability of adaptation. Cloning is also detrimental to the beauty that lies in diversity.
Costs: 1.7 million to clone a human (this is an estimate)
To treat one patient it could cost over $100,000 for therapeutic cloning.
Failures/Defects: A two month old calf, cloned from genes taken from the ear of an adult cow, died after developing blood and heart problems.
Types of Animals Cloned:
What are the uses? Why do it?
Cloning for medical purposes
Of all the reasons, cloning for medical purposes has the most potential to benefit large numbers of people. How might cloning be used in medicine?
▪ Cloning animal models of disease
Much of what researchers learn about human disease comes from studying animal models such as mice. Often, animal models are genetically engineered to carry disease-causing mutations in their genes. Creating these transgenic animals is a time-intensive process that requires trial-and-error and several generations of breeding. Cloning technologies might reduce the time needed to make a transgenic animal model, and the result would be a population of genetically identical animals for study.
▪ Cloning stem cells for research
Stem cells are the body's building blocks, responsible for developing, maintaining and repairing the body throughout life. As a result, they might be used to repair damaged or diseased organs and tissues. Researchers are currently looking toward cloning as a way to create genetically defined human stem cells for research and medical purposes.
▪ "Pharming" for drug production Farm animals such as cows, sheep and goats are currently being genetically engineered to produce drugs or proteins that are useful in medicine. Just like creating animal models of disease, cloning might be a faster way to produce large herds of genetically engineered animals. Find out more about this research in the feature article
Reproducing a Deceased Pet
No joke! If you had enough money, you could clone your beloved family cat. At least one biotechnology company in the United States offers cat cloning services for the privileged and bereaved, and they are now working to clone dogs. But don't assume that your cloned kitty will be exactly the same as the one you know and love.
4. Cloning Humans?
To clone or not to clone: that is the question. The prospect of cloning humans is highly controversial and raises a number of ethical, legal and social challenges that need to be considered.
Why would anyone want to clone humans? Some reasons include:
▪ To help infertile couples have children
▪ To replace a deceased child
Resources:
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/cloning.shtml
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/cloning
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-cloning.html