DNA cloning can create offspring using the genetic material of an individual organism. It occurs naturally in some species and has been artificially attempted in animals. Benefits include maintaining strong genetic traits and producing new life without requiring a male and female. Disadvantages include high expense, preserving genetic weaknesses, and shorter lifespans. Asexual reproduction is beneficial but has limitations, such as preserving genetic weaknesses and cellular aging. Artificial cloning has pros and cons, including control over populations and medical benefits, but also has limitations and ethical concerns.
DNA cloning is a reproductive process that uses the genetic material of an individual organism to create offspring. It occurs naturally in some species capable of reproducing asexually, and scientists have cloned some animals using DNA cloning. The benefits of cloning include the ability to maintain strong genetic traits and the ability to produce new life without requiring a male and female of the species. Disadvantages include high expense, the ability to preserve genetic weaknesses, and the fact that artificial clones have been found to have shorter life spans than others of the same species.
Few members of the animal kingdom are capable of asexual reproduction, although many bacteria, insects, fungi, and plants reproduce this way. There are many benefits to DNA cloning, so scientists have attempted to facilitate artificial cloning. A variety of animals have been successfully cloned, including sheep, cows, mice, goats, dogs, pigs and cats.
Asexual reproduction is beneficial for many reasons. Organisms that are capable of this can reproduce without expending energy in courtship and mating rituals. When separated from others of their kind, these organisms can still reproduce, ensuring the continuation of the species. Offspring are produced at a rapid rate, leading to large numbers of new organisms, and the clones retain the exact same traits as their parents, meaning that there are more individuals available to carry on a strong genetic line – the assumption being that the parent possessed desirable traits in order to have the opportunity to reproduce. Individual genetic strains, families and the species as a whole benefit from this reproductive strategy.
However, DNA cloning as a reproductive strategy has disadvantages. The children of asexual reproduction are identical to the parent in all respects. Any genetic weaknesses would be preserved. There is only one parent, so no new genetic information is ever introduced. This prevents the introduction of new traits and limits the growth potential of the colony.
Cellular aging can also be a problem for asexual reproducers, because the natural degeneration of cells leads to corrupted starting material. For example, if a 50-year-old fungus formed a colony, the cell age of the offspring would also be 50. This inability to reset cell age can affect the colony’s reproduction, health, and mortality rate.
The pros and cons of artificial cloning are theoretically the same as those of natural cloning. The lab-made clones would have all the strong traits of their parent. They would lack undesirable characteristics that would normally have arisen from a second parent.
Scientists could use various criteria to select the best candidates for cloning, offering control over populations of animals used for food and recreation. For example, a cow producing high quality beef could be cloned assuring an ample supply of higher quality meat. Research facilities would be able to produce identical subjects for use in research and medical testing; the lack of variation between individuals would increase the validity of the data. Tissues and individual organs could be cloned for use in surgeries, eliminating the need for organ donors and decreasing the risk of transplant rejection.
The limitations of current technology mean that gene cloning is an imperfect science. These positive results cannot be guaranteed, in fact, are highly unlikely. Research has shown that artificial clones do not survive as long as their parents and less than 10% survive to adulthood.
More problematic, the causes of death of these clones are unknown. This high mortality rate suggests a flaw in the current cloning process. Deformities and fatal mutations are highly probable. This is an obvious disadvantage for those wishing to progress towards human DNA cloning.
DNA cloning also presents many religious and ethical dilemmas. Concerns have been raised about the legal status and rights of clones and parental rights. There is also concern about the social stigma of being a clone and the effect of cloning on interpersonal relationships.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
