Cloning

Cloning
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Cloning

Cloning is the process of creating a copy of something. In genetics, cloning refers to the process of making an identical copy of the DNA of an organism. When Dolly, the first cloned sheep became news, cloning interested the masses. Not only did researchers delve deeper into the subject but even the common people sought great interest in knowing all about how cloning had been done.

In recent times, cloning is being used in several ways. While most cloning techniques are used in laboratories, there is a commercial industry that is used to clone animals, crops and even dead pets. Stem cells are an early form of cells that can grow into many different types of cells and tissues. Scientists can turn them into nerve cells to fix a damaged spinal cord or insulin-making cells to treat diabetes.

Animals have been cloned to study the development of diseases in animals. Cloning is also done for livestock like cows and pigs to produce more milk and meat. Commercially people are using the technique for cloning pets. In recent times there is a sudden curiosity that has risen in society about how could cloning benefit the common man. People are eager to know all about cloning and questions prevail till date. Most of them want to know the pros and cons of cloning, its advantages to society and its potential risks to mankind.

In this unit, we will explore the topic of cloning and how it is beneficial to society. You will also learn about the basic facts about cloning and the moral, ethical and legal issues that surround the topic of cloning.

Lessons

  1. Cloning: Basic Facts

    Cloning dates back to 1885 when the first study was conducted by German scientist Hans Adolf Eduard Driesch. In 1902, he cloned a set of twin salamanders by dividing an embryo into two separate, viable embryos. Since then, there have been many breakthroughs in cloning.
  2. Cloning: Known Issues

    There are many known issues related to the topic of cloning. Many believe that cloning does pose health risks. This is true especially when cloning is used for replicating animals.
  3. Possible Solutions for Cloning

    Many are in favour of cloning as they believe that people should be allowed to research cloning as it is in favour of FREEDOM OF SCIENCE and freedom of expression.
  4. The Debate for Cloning

    While cloning allows man to tamper with genetics in human beings, it also makes deliberate reproduction of undesirable traits, a probability. Cloning of body organs might invite malpractices in society.
  5. Cloning: Words to Know

    Here is a comprehensive list of words and jargon that will help you to discuss cloning.
  6. Cloning: Video Links

    Here are some videos to understand cloning and issues related to it.
  7. Cloning: News Articles

    Here are some news links to understand cloning and issues related to it.
  8. Cloning: Video Summary

    Watch this video to review what you have learnt till now
  9. Cloning: Essay Question

    Recently, cloning has stepped into the limelight. Although cloning of plants from adult plant cells has been practised for many years now, it never received the attention that cloning does now.

Assignments

  1. Cloning Assignment

    Find 5 Pictures and Write a 200 word summary of your thoughts on cloning.

Teachers