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CLONING

Cloning describes the processes used to create an exact genetic replica of another cell, tissue or organism. The copied material, which has the same genetic makeup as the original, is referred to as a clone. The most famous clone was a Scottish sheep named Dolly.

CLONING – Human cloning
Question: How would “Human Cloning” be done?
Answer: The model is Dolly the sheep and although the technology has been applied to several animals, it is still highly underdeveloped and the mechanisms involved are poorly understood.
The scientists remove the DNA from the nucleus of an egg cell taken from the mother. This DNA is then be replaced by the genetic material taken from one of the father's cells - perhaps a skin cell. A trigger is applied to the egg cell that makes it start to divide like any normal embryo. The fertilized, dividing embryo mother is then implanted in her womb in a procedure which is routinely performed in IVF (in vitro fertilization) clinics.

CLONING – for spare body parts
Question: Could clones be "farmed" to provide spare body parts for their "parent" clone without problems of tissue rejection?

Answer: Possibly, although we don't know enough yet to be confident that rejection would be eliminated entirely. You would also have to wait a number of years until the clone's organs were mature enough to transplant, and of course your actions would be highly illegal unless your clone was willing to act as a donor as a clone would be just as human as you or I. Even leaving aside the ethical concerns, with the progress that is being made in understanding and coping with tissue rejection, you would be more likely to have a pig's heart in your future than a clone's.

 

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