The definition of cloning Cloning - A general term for the research activity that creates a copy of some biological entity (a gene or organism or cell)

Cloning The process of making a clone, a genetically identical copy. Cloning can refer to the technique of producing a genetically identical copy of an organism by replacing the nucleus of an unfertilized ovum with the nucleus of a body cell from the organism.

History of cloning Cloning has been going on in the natural world for thousands of years. A clone is simply one living thing made from another, leading to two organisms with the same set of genes. In that sense, identical twins are clones, because they have identical DNA. Sometimes, plants are self-pollinated, producing seeds and eventually more plants with the same genetic code. Some forests are made entirely of trees originating from one single plant; the original tree spread its roots, which later sprouted new trees. When earthworms are cut in half, they regenerate the missing parts of their bodies, leading to two worms with the same set of genes. However, the ability to intentionally create a clone in the animal kingdom by working on the cellular level is a very recent development.

Benefits Gene positional cloning is a major medical advancement, not only because of cloning, but because of the Human Genome Project as well. The goal of this procedure is to identify human disease genes and then clone them for further study. This is done by studying several families who have the disorder. The gene for Huntington’s Disease was found this way by examining a large Venezuelan family who had many members with the disease. Scientists, after isolating the gene, were able to test each member of the family to see if they had the disease. Another benefit from modern cloning is in agriculture. Farmers and ranchers can now have their strongest crops and animals twinned so that they are less likely to contract diseases.

Cons of cloning Cloning created identical genes. It is a process of replicating a genetic constitution, thus hampering the diversity in genes. While lessening the diversity in genes, we weaken our ability of adaptation. Cloning is also detrimental to the beauty that lies in diversity. 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. In cloning human organs and using them for transplant, or in cloning human beings themselves, technical and economic barriers will have to be considered. Will cloned organs be cost-effective? Will cloning techniques really reach the common man? Moreover, cloning will put human and animal rights at stake. Will cloning fit into our ethical and moral principles? Cloning will leave man just another man-made being. Won't it devalue mankind? Won't it undermine the value of human life? Cloning is equal to emulating God. Is that easy? Is that risk-free? Many are afraid it is not!

Current Use Cloning is the scientific process of creating an artificial reproduction of an existing organism, gene or set of genes. Cloning is different from the artificial insemination of an animal or artificial fertilization of a plant, in that cloning does not require sexual or asexual reproduction. The process creates an identical copy of the gene or organism using bacterium. There are several types of cloning and the uses of each are cause for controversy

Future Use Cloning is truly a monumental accomplishment. But what can we do with it? Very few see a future society of cloned humans. Mad scientists with armies of cloned zombies are highly improbable due to the current cost, failure rate, and time involved. However, there are some practical applications currently being considered. Which are possible and which are doomed to remain in the realm of science fiction? Only the future will tell.

Ethics Of Cloning Cloning Ethics - A Cultural Issue Cloning ethics have recently moved to the forefront of 21st century culture. Although the medical, philosophical, scientific and political sectors have been active in voicing their views, it's always a good idea to look at what the Bible says about these issues. Even when the issues are modern, like cloning, and aren't specifically mentioned in the Bible, we can look at principles in the Bible and apply them to these issues and understand how God wants us to respond. Cloning Ethics - The Biblical Principles In regards to cloning ethics, the Bible is clear that God is the Author of all life. One verse in particular is applicable to the cloning issue. In Psalm 100:3 it says, "Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves."

The Cost Of Cloning Creating a cloned embryo requires human egg cells, and egg cells aren't cheap. In vitro fertilization clinics will generally pay an egg donor $3,000 to $5,000, and Advanced Cell Technology took 71 eggs from seven women.

Our Opinion Our opinion on cloning is, personally we don’t care if cloning is happening. To us, we think its really rad! Cloning is important in our society because it brings extra food so we wont starve. Also we clone because if for any reason everybody died in our society except for two of us, those people can clone themselves so our country will not be destroyed! “ If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember what you said”

Bibliography Word net web - wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwnwordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn Think quest - on/Cloning/longdoc.htm on/Cloning/longdoc.htm Think quest - Buzzle - Ehow - Ornl All about popular issues Allegiance – allegiance54.weebly.com