Lecture 17 - Cloning

What is cloning?

Cloning is referred to producing identical copies

Do clones occur naturally?

Yes. Examples include asexual reproduction in bacteria and plants through binary fission, and identical twins in humans and mammals

What are the three types of artificial cloning?

Gene cloning, reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning

What is gene cloning?

The process of copying genes or DNA segments using vectors like plasmids, bacteria or yeast

What is reproductive cloning?

It involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an egg with its nucleus removed to produce a gentically identical animal

What is therapeutic cloning?

Creating cloned embryos to harvest stem cells for research and treatment development

What are stem cells?

Undifferentiated cells that can divide and become different types of tissue

What are some sources of stem cells?

Embryonic cells, adult tissue..

Why is cloning humans and primates technically difficult?

Because spindle proteins essential for cell division are removed with the nucleus, disturbing cell division

Do clones always look identical, and why?

No, environmental factors and gene expression can lead to differences even in genetically identical animals

What are some uses of cloned animals?

Producing medical proteins, drug testing, and conserve endangered species

What are drawbacks of reproductive cloning?

Low success rate, birth defects and premature aging

What is a concern with therapeutic cloning?

Stem cells may accumulate mutations and behave like cancer cells over time