In genetics, cloning an organism is like making a true copy of the DNA. This is particularly done in most plants, animals and small organisms. One of the cloned animals is Dolly. The most controversial issue of cloning is on whether it must be done to humans. This also includes cloning human tissue, such as organs.
CLONING AND ITS ADVANTAGES
Organ Replacement
At the present, there are about one-hundred fifty-thousand people that will have to receive organ transplant. However, there are no donors that can help those who are still waiting. Other patients die even before they get the organ which they need.
Cloning allows cells to be taken on the organ and create a new replicated kidney or heart from the scratch. With this technique, it is possible to reduce the time needed for them to live a longer and better life span.
Cloning Help Infertile Couples to Have Children
Based on the survey conducted by CDC, seven million women along their partners are mainly affected with infertility. With cloning, infertile couples can possibly have their own children. They must undergo for a “somatic cell nuclear transfer”, or called as reproductive cloning.
With this cloning, somatic cells are acquired from male with female eggs and surrogate mother. The process normally includes the extraction of nucleus in the somatic cell. Then, somatic cells are inserted in the egg. Afterwards, the egg is stimulated and an embryo is developed. It is also inserted in the surrogate mother, wherein she needs to carry it for nine months.
The Benefits of Growing Eminent Persons
The human race is to be grown with eminent persons like Newton, Einstein, Aristotle and Beethoven. It may be possible for these eminent people to re-live their lives and contribute more to the society.
Insect Propagation and Preservation of Qualities in Plants and Fruits
Cloning helps in propagating insects that assists in controlling plagues. As a result, agricultural products are no longer damaged. Even the continued use of pesticides and insecticides can be reduced. The environment is protected and the human life is improved.
Apart from it, cloning guarantees the preservation of qualities among plants and fruits. The qualities are still relevant in the convenience of nature and human beings. This has been started and is still going on its practical level.
CLONING AND ITS DISADVANTAGES
A Degree of Uncertainty
Dolly, the cloned sheep, proved to be a successful cloning. However, it should be noted that two-hundred fifty eggs were used and Dolly was the only outcome. Just imagine, infertile couples will have to face that same heartbreak through in vitro fertilization.
Inheritance of Genetic Diseases
Somatic cells are extracted and randomized; scientists cannot exactly tell the cells that contain the traits of illnesses or diseases. Thus, it is more likely that the cells used may have the same genetic disorder or disease. The cloned person may likely have it.
Organ Rejection Because of Cell Mutation
Although the technique utilizes the cells of the organ of the recipient, there is still a chance that the cells will mutate. This results to a significant difference on the cell makeup between the replicated and original organ.