Reproductive Cloning Technology Essay - 1795 Words

Reproductive Cloning Cloning has become a major issue in our modern world, from moral, ethical, and religious concerns, to the problem of financial and government support. Human cloning is one of the most controversial topics, and because of this, many of the new important discoveries and beneficial technologies have been overlooked and ignored. Reproductive cloning technology may offer many new possibilities, including hope for endangered species, resources for human organ transplants, and answers to questions concerning cancer, inherited diseases, and aging. The research that led up to the ability to clone mammals started more than a century ago. From frogs to mice to sheep to humans, reproductive cloning promises many possibilities.†¦show more content†¦Gene cloning is a unique and complicated technology that holds answers to many questions, and offers numerous possibilities. The process of gene cloning will provide potential answers for questions and puzzles concerning cancer, aging, and in herited diseases, and will help provide a better tool for scientific health research, human and animal alike. But what exactly is gene cloning? It is a process in which a small portion of genetic information (a piece of DNA or gene) is removed from one organism, and introduced into a host cell (Wong, 4-5). In order to accomplish this, the gene is first inserted into a vector, or small piece of DNA. The vector then â€Å"acts as a vehicle† (Wong, 4-5) and transports the gene into the host cell. The act of this transportation into the host cell is called transformation, and the host cell becomes known as a â€Å"transformed† cell. This is where the gene-containing vector is replicated or â€Å"cloned† into identical cells (Wong, 31-34) Important discoveries led to this ability to clone genes. In 1970, scientists Howard Temin and David Baltimore were able to isolate the first restrictive enzymes, named Reverse Transcriptase, which cut DNA in particular locations (History of Cloning). These enzymes, after cutting the DNA, leave what are known as â€Å"sticky ends,† which are then healed by enzymes called ligase (McKinnell, 8-11). Then in 1972, Paul Berg from Stanford University successfully combined two pieces of DNA to form the firstShow MoreRelatedOverpopulation Is Not Too Late?1729 Words   |  7 Pagesfound interest in raising consciousness about the issue of overpopulation, but is it too late for the inevitable events that are to come? With the rise of technology that question has become difficult to answer as new advancements continue to do the unexpected and merely the impossible. For instance topics that are now in discussion include cloning of living organisms, colonization in other planets, and cre ation of virtual worlds. 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But worldwide attention and concerns only arousedRead More Reproductive and Therapeutic Cloning Essay example1484 Words   |  6 PagesReproductive and Therapeutic Cloning Cloning is defined as the â€Å"creation of an exact copy of a living matter, such as a cell or organism† according to Encarta encyclopedia. The copies produced through cloning have identical genetic makeup and are known as clones. Scientists use cloning techniques in the laboratory to create copies of cells or organisms with valuable traits. Cloning is a controversial topic because new areas of science often raise questions about safety. Early experiment