Cloning is the process of creating an identical or nearly identical copy from the original genetic material. The term is derived from the Greek word maple, which means a shoot, a branch and a twig.
What is cloning?
Cloning is the propagation of a living organism such that its “offspring” are identical or nearly identical copies of it. In nature, the cloning process in some cases occurs naturally – for example, clones (identical copies of the original) are colonies of bacteria, unicellular organisms, and plant suckers and cuttings. The cloning mechanism has been well understood and mastered by scientists in recent years, so that they are able (at least theoretically) to clone any living organism, including humans. The first ideas related to the use of nuclear transfer to obtain a copy of a given organism appeared as early as the 30s. The first cloned mammal, the famous Dolly sheep, was not until 1996. In 2000, a monkey was cloned, followed by many other mammals – a pig, a cow, a cat, a mouse, a rabbit, a horse, a rat, and finally, in 2005, a dog.
Types of cloning
The term cloning can have several different meanings. First, it can be understood as the process of creating organisms with genetic information identical to the original. Secondly, cloning can be understood as a procedure of creating organisms with genetic information identical to the donor. This procedure involves the transfer of a nucleus from a somatic cell to a previously nuclear-free egg. This method allows you to clone both plants and animals, and even humans. However, the clones obtained in this way are not 100% identical to the donor of the genetic material, because the mitochondrial DNA remains in the egg. Third, cloning in biology and genetics is understood as the process of gene isolation in such a way that fragments of genetic material are combined with a molecular vector and multiplied in another organism. With this method, many identical copies of a given gene can be obtained.
Controversy about cloning
The creation of genetically identical copies of higher organisms, possibly including humans in the future, sparked a lively discussion among wide social circles. The ethical and legal aspects of such experiments are primarily considered. In 2004, there were reports of attempts to clone humans by a group of South Korean scientists, but they turned out to be untrue. On the other hand, the fact is research on the cloning of stem cells, which can be widely used in medicine, in the treatment of many currently incurable diseases. Stem cells can change into any tissue in the body and, for example, replace diseased cells in the heart or other organ in need of treatment, making it possible to do something like an auto-transplant. Researchers also argue that stem cells could prove helpful in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers generally agree that cloning to obtain stem cells is not against research ethics. Nevertheless, in some environments it is believed that this practice is deeply unethical as it involves the creation of artificial embryos which are then destroyed. It’s no secret that embryos are the best source of stem cells. According to some opinions, cloning is a way of longevity, and even immortality, because in the near future the technology will allow the cloning of deceased people. There is also speculation about the possibility of cloning extinct animal species. Such sensational reports and expectations, however, seem unrealistic. As for extinct species, we currently do not have enough genetic material to restore them. As for the cloning of dead people to ensure their (or oneself) immortality, there is nothing to support the supposition that an identical physical constitution (the same DNA) guarantees being the same person mentally and personally. A copy of a deceased relative would probably have a similar appearance to the original, but not necessarily a personality. It would also not retain the memory of a deceased person. Human cloning is also considered for couples who are otherwise unable to produce offspring. Theoretically, such a procedure is possible, but whether it will ever become reality is unknown.