Biotechnology

• Recombinant DNA Technology
• Gene Sequencing (Human Genome Project)
• Cloning
• Stem Cell Research
• Gene Therapy
• DNA Fingerprinting (and other Forensics applications)

For each topic you should have a clear grasp of how the technology occurs, specific vocabulary related to the technology and how the technology is applied for practical purposes. In addition, ethical and legal issues should be taken into account.

Cloning

Definition: Cloning is the creation of an organism that is an exact genetic copy of another.

Clones occur naturally in nature, a process called twinning. Identical twins are, in fact, clones.

Type of Clones

• Artificial Embryo Twinning
• Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)
• Gene Cloning

What is the purpose of cloning?

1. Cloning for medical purposes
2. Cloning animal models of disease
3. Cloning stem cells
4. Cloned genetically engineered animals for drug production
5. Reviving endangered or extinct species
6. Reproducing a deceased pet or child

The Process of Cloning

Artificial Embryo Twinning

An early stage embryo is split into cells before those cells have differentiated, the cells are then grown separately, and develop into identicial embryos and can be implanted into surrogate mothers. This method can produce large numbers of identical organisms for medical research.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

Allows creation of offspring from adult cells

Issues in Cloning

1. Should cloning be regulated, and if so, by whom?
2. Is cloning "playing with nature"?
3. What rights should a human clone have?
4. What are some social challenges a clones child might face?

Next Topics

DNA Fingerprinting | Recombinant DNA | Stem Cells | Gene Therapy | Human Genome Project