6.5 Adult Cell Cloning

Question 1

Describe the process of Adult Cell Cloning.

Answer 1

First, the nucleus is removed from an unfertilised egg cell. The nucleus is also removed from a skin cell and placed inside the ‘empty’ egg cell. This new cell is given an electric shock which causes it to divide to form an embryo. The embryo is genetically identical to the adult skin cell. Then the embryo is inserted into the womb of a host mother.

Question 2

Who was produced by adult cell cloning in 1997?

Answer 2

Dolly the Sheep

Question 3

What are the advantages of adult cell cloning?

Answer 3

The development of cloned animals which have been genetically engineered produce valuable proteins in their milk which have been used in medicine. Cloning can also save animals form extinction

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of adult cell cloning?

Answer 4

Concerns about the ethics, limits variation in the population which is a problem for natural selection. There are also concerns about what cloning will be used for in the future.

Question 5

Name the two cells needed for adult cell cloning.

Answer 5

An egg cell and a skin cell