Clone

Process of producing genetically-identical copies

Cloning refers to the process of creating genetically identical copies of biological entities. A clone is any cell or individual that is genetically identical to another. Cloning can occur naturally or be artificially induced in a laboratory setting.

Natural Cloning

Cloning is a common process in nature, particularly among organisms that reproduce asexually.

Identical Twins

In humans and other mammals, natural cloning occurs when a fertilized zygote splits, producing identical twins. These individuals have the same genome and are considered natural clones.

Asexual Reproduction

Many bacteria, protists, and some plants and invertebrates reproduce asexually, producing clones of themselves. Examples include binary fission in bacteria and vegetative propagation in plants.

Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction in which an ovum develops into an individual without fertilization. It occurs in some insects, reptiles, and rare cases in vertebrates. Since meiosis is often absent or altered, the offspring are genetically similar to the parent, constituting clones.

Notable Example in Mammals

Although rare in mammals, the Nine-banded armadillo typically gives birth to genetically identical quadruplets, providing a natural example of mammalian cloning.

Artificial Cloning

In biology and biotechnology, cloning can refer to different techniques used to produce genetic duplicates.

Reproductive Cloning

Reproductive cloning creates an entire organism genetically identical to another. The most famous example is Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal created in 1996 using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In this process, the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred into an enucleated egg cell.

Therapeutic Cloning

Therapeutic cloning involves producing embryonic stem cells for medical research or treatment. These cells can develop into any type of tissue and are genetically identical to the donor.

Molecular Cloning

In genetics and cell biology, cloning also refers to the process of copying DNA sequences. This includes:

• Gene cloning – copying specific DNA sequences for research or biotechnology.
• Plasmid cloning – inserting DNA into bacterial plasmids for propagation.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – amplifying DNA segments in vitro.

Cloning in Cell Biology

Cell lines in research are often derived from a single cell, making them clonal. However, during cell division, mutations and gene expression changes can lead to cellular differentiation. Although the cells originate from a common ancestor, they are not always genetically or functionally identical.

Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to various cell types. While daughter cells may be derived from the same stem cell, they become distinct as they specialize into tissue-specific cells.

Applications of Cloning

Cloning has numerous applications in modern science, medicine, and agriculture:

• Creating genetically identical animals for research
• Preserving endangered species
• Producing genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• Developing regenerative therapies using stem cells
• Mass-producing proteins and pharmaceuticals

Ethical Considerations

Cloning, especially reproductive cloning in humans, raises ethical concerns including identity, individuality, and the potential for misuse. These issues are widely debated in the fields of bioethics, law, and public policy.

See also

• Asexual reproduction
• Somatic cell nuclear transfer
• Genetic engineering
• Dolly the sheep
• Stem cell
• Parthenogenesis
• Gene cloning

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