When we clone something, we create a genetically identical copy of that organism.
Cloning
Cloning occurs in nature. Bacteria and plants undergo Asexual reproduction.
Asexual reproduction is where the offspring only have one parent, and their genetic make up is identical to the parents.
In sexual reproduction the offspring have 2 different sources of DNA. A mother and father.
In most animals, the male donates 1 sperm, while the female donates an egg cell.
Each cell contains ½ the amount of genetic material required to create a full organism.
Give an example of a clone produced by Sexual reproduction?
Dolly the sheep. The name might ring a bell.
Dolly was one of the first official, successful clones an animal.
We take the zygote (cell after the sperm and egg combine) and replace the nucleus with the patient’s nucleus.
They use a combination of caffeine and electric shocks to bind the new nucleus to the cell and jump start the dividing process.
Once inside the embryo, the nucleus is re-programmed, meaning all the genes are switched back on (this process is still not 100% understood). It is then placed back in the womb, where it develops into a fully grown organism.
If we don’t implant the new zygote into the womb, and leave it to divide, we get stem cells. Special undifferentiated cells, who have the potential to become any cell.
So, just because we have the potential to clone humans, should we?
Ethics of Embryonic Cloning
Now that we know about ethics, and we know how embryonic cloning occurs, lets talk about the ethical issues behind it.
Bellow are some questions which arise when considering embryonic cloning.
1. Where do we get the embryos form?
Should people be able to sell them or should they only be able to donate them?
Who should be allowed to donate? Should there be an age limit?
2. Who can use this, in terms of cost?
Should we charge for this and how much?
Should the average person be able to afford this or should it be something only the rich can afford?
Should the government offer financial assistance with embryonic cloning?
3. When can people use this?
Should people use this only when they have lost a child?
Should we be able to clone our selves and use our clones as ‘spare parts’
Should governments be able to clone individuals for an army?
4. Who can use this?
Should farmers be able to use embryonic cloning to clone cattle, sheep and other farm animals?
5. Whose responsibility are the clones
The hospitals? The people who paid? The persons who was cloned? The government?
6. Who should decide this?
Should the government have this control over the issue?
Should religion have a say?
Should this be a global decision or national or state/regional decision?
What are the negative effects to embryonic cloning?
Individuality and Playing God.
Your genes play a big role in your physical and behavioural characteristics. Everything that makes you who you are, in some part is because of your genetics.
Your individuality and right to a unique identity is compromised when a genetic clone is created.
Here is the question:
Should we be allowed to clone embryos in modern society?
