Cloning Flashcards
What is cloning?
Cloning is the process of creating genetically identical copies of a biological entity (cell, tissue, or organism).
What are the three main types of cloning?
✅ 1. Gene Cloning – Copies DNA segments.
✅ 2. Reproductive Cloning – Creates a whole organism.
✅ 3. Therapeutic Cloning – Produces stem cells for medical use.
What is the difference between natural and artificial cloning?
✅ Natural Cloning: Occurs in identical twins and asexual reproduction (bacteria, plants).
✅ Artificial Cloning: Done in labs using techniques like SCNT (Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer).
How does reproductive cloning work?
✅ Step 1: Remove the nucleus from an unfertilized egg cell (creates an empty egg).
✅ Step 2: Take a nucleus from a donor somatic cell (e.g., skin or muscle cell) and insert it into the empty egg.
✅ Step 3: Use an electric shock or chemicals to stimulate cell division, forming an embryo.
✅ Step 4: Implant the embryo into a surrogate mother, where it develops into a clone.
What is therapeutic cloning used for?
✅ Producing stem cells for regenerative medicine, like repairing damaged tissues, treating diseases, and organ regeneration.
What are three benefits of cloning?
✅ 1. Helps in medical research & drug production.
✅ 2. Can help bring back extinct species.
✅ 3. Can create genetically identical animals for organ transplants.
What are three disadvantages of cloning?
❌ 1. Low success rate (high failure & deformities).
❌ 2. Ethical concerns (playing “God”).
❌ 3. Cloned animals age faster (e.g., Dolly the Sheep had premature aging).
❓ How is cloning used in medicine?
✅ Therapeutic cloning creates stem cells that can help cure Parkinson’s, diabetes, and spinal injuries.
How is cloning used in agriculture?
Genetically modified (GM) crops and cloned livestock improve food supply, disease resistance, and yield.
Why is human cloning controversial?
Ethical concerns include:
Loss of individuality.
Potential abuse of technology.
Human rights issues.
