Question

briefly describe (one or two paragraphs) the process of somatic cell nuclear transfer and how it is used to create cloned cells.

Explain what you consider to be the positive and negative aspects of cloning both scientifically and morally, giving at least three ‘for’ and three ‘against’ points – Discuss whether you think it is a good use of science and will benefit mankind or whether you believe it is unethical and should no longer be pursued? Please use your own words

Answer 1

somatic cell nuclear transfer is used in therapeutic use such as stem cell research or for cloning purposes. In this method, a egg cell from host is taken and the nucleus is removed. Next, a somatic cell is taken from donar and the nucleus is removed and replaced in host egg cell. Inside the ovum of the host cell, the somatic cell nucleus can be reprogrammed at host cell . Afte this a shock is gven so that the ovum can start to divide. Next, the embryo can be used to produce embryonic stem cell for therapeutic purposes or can be placed into uterus of host cell. The viable ovum can make adult organisms, where the genetic material becomes that exact copy of the donar cell.

There are several advantage and disadvantage of this method.

Advantage:

i) as the cloned organism is the exct copy of tge host organism, we can retain a desired character or trait.

ii) Organism in where there is difficulty in breeding, this method could be used as alternative.

iii) extinct species can be regenerated.

disadvantages:

i) SCNT method could lead to loss of genetic variation.

ii) If there is a disease present in the host cell, there could be a possibility that it can spread.

iii) the process takes lomg time and money.

Cloning can be beneficial when they are used for therapeutic puropses, for the correction of health related problems or remedy for disease. However, when its used for reproductive reasons, it somewhere go against the natural law of environment.