Cloning is the process of producing genetically identical copies of an organism, cell, or DNA molecule. There are several types of cloning, including:
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Therapeutic Cloning: This involves creating cloned embryos to harvest stem cells for medical treatments. The aim is to generate tissues or organs that are genetically identical to the donor, potentially reducing the risk of rejection in transplants.
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Reproductive Cloning: This is the process of creating a new organism that is genetically identical to an existing one. This is typically done through a technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). A well-known example is the cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996.
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Gene Cloning: This involves copying specific genes or DNA sequences to produce multiple identical copies for research or therapeutic purposes.
Cloning raises various ethical, legal, and social issues, particularly in the context of reproductive cloning and the implications for biodiversity, animal welfare, and human identity.
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