Animal cloning

INTRODUCTION A clone is a genetic copy of another living organism -animal, plant or human. Animal cloning is a widely discussed issue in our society today. The question now is whether the Australian government should ban animal cloning. Many opinions are generated from this subject, such as the justifiability of cloning, and how far it should go. Religious views are prevalent, so too are numerous ethical concerns. The issue of whether or not the government should ban cloning has gained progressive attention, as the science of animal cloning is further perfected. BIOLOGICAL BACKGROUND Animal cloning is the process of creating a biological replicate of another organism with the exact genetic makeup of the original individual. Two processes can be used to obtain clones. The first process is called "embryo splitting." In the laboratory, an embryo is created by joining a sperm cell from a male animal donour, with an egg cell from a female animal donour. The embryo begins to divide into two cells, and these cells are separated and implanted in different foster mothers. This process has been successful in the cloning of mammals such as cattle, pigs, rabbits, mice, sheep and goat. The second process is called nuclear transfer or cell nuclear replacement. This process was used to produce Dolly the sheep, the first animal cloned from a differentiated cell taken from an

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Science
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GeneticallyModified Organisms can only be harmful to humans

Genetically Modified Organisms can only be harmful to humans Genetic Modification is when the genetic make-up of a living organism is altered (1). This can be done by changing an existing section of DNA or by inserting a new gene (4). Genetic Modification began in the late 1970's (6). It can be used between different species for example from a plant to a human or an animal to a human. It is often used to enhance the flavour of foods as well as to improve the size and quantity of foods like tomatoes. Joining genes from different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology, and the resulting organism is said to be "genetically modified," or "transgenic." Genetically Modified products include medicines, vaccines, foods, food ingredients and animal feeds (1). In my personal opinion I believe that genetic Modification has its advantages as well as its disadvantages. I do have reservations about this type of research as I find it unethical and dangerous for humans and wildlife. There are quite a few advantages of Genetic Modification (GM). One example is placing vaccinations in foods and making it more beneficial for the people who consume them. By putting vaccinations in foods using GM it will mean that tablets and injections will not be required. There are also bananas that produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, fish that mature more

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Science
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Is cloning the way of the future

Contents The topic Page Introduction What is cloning? Natural cloning How are clones created? Unnatural cloning Is cloning unnatural? Dolly the sheep The different types of cloning How can cloning be used? How it is used today? Stem Cells Is cloning ethnically right? Conclusion Bibliography Introduction Is cloning the way of the future? Well there are many arguments for and against it. In this case study I will be exploring the many different ways in which cloning can or can not be used in the future, discussing the many reasons for and against it. This investigation will study how cloning can affect us positively, when using it for medicine making it easier to replace faulty genes without the fear of rejection. As well as talking about the positive factors of cloning I will be talking about the cons. The cons will include the ethnic dilemmas and the public opinions; I will be taking fair and non biases results. Further more I will be providing evidence on a successful type of cloning. I will be evoking on the different types of cloning some being: natural and non natural cloning however there are more. In addition I will be talking about therapeutic cloning, along with an example of cloning, ethnic dilemmas, the

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Science
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Cloning: medical breakthrough or step too far?

Cloning: medical breakthrough or step too far? Cloning is defined as making multiple copies of a DNA sequence, or making a clone of a organism (clone meaning "A cell, group of cells, or organism that are descended from and genetically identical to a single common ancestor, such as a bacterial colony whose members arose from a single original cell")(1). The act of cloning is carried out everyday in a human, plant or animal body. Cells undergo mitosis (which is cell division where the DNA is copied into the "daughter" cell to create a exact copy of itself, unless there is mutation) so they can heal the body. In Bacteria they multiply by Mitosis as well, but most often more quickly than in animal cells, making them a problem since they are harmful to the Body. Is cloning unnatural? Well, cloning can occur naturally in a greenhouse, the only interference being that of the owner "pruning" a shrug and planting the twigs in another pot and allowing them to grow as well, the "offspring" being exactly identical to its parent plant in every way, down to the DNA. This is only the example of the plant world, some other organisms reproduce asexually (this being the act of reproduction without the need of another organism, effectively cloning themselves), and their offspring having an identical genetic code to its parent, bacteria are a good example as explained above. Examples in the

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"Should human cloning be legal?"

"Should human cloning be legal?" Today, the topic of cloning creates more argument than it has ever created before. The argument over cloning is based upon the fact that there are extreme opposing viewpoints on the subject. One of the major arguments offered against human cloning is that it will undermine human individuality. However, despite the popular opposition to human cloning, it is likely to remain an issue. Cloning is reproduction involving only one parent. Cloning occurs when a single cell from the parent organism begins to divide and develop in such a way that a new organism is produced. This new organism has exactly the same genetic make-up as its parent and is usually physically identical to its parent. In sexual reproduction, two parents are involved. Each contributes a sex cell or gamete. When these gametes join, the new organism begins to develop. A sexually produced organism will have a genetic make-up that is a combination of both of the parents. Physically it will display a variety of features, some inherited from each parent. Supporters of human cloning are not concerned that a cloned human being would be genetically identical to the person from whom he or she was cloned. However, human cloning will undermine human individuality. One of the key features of each human being is that they represent a combination of genotype and interaction with the

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Science
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Rosalind Franklin.

Sara Rowe Rosalind Franklin When you think of who discovered DNA, the names Watson and Cricke may come to mind. In reality, many other scientists' research lead to their discovery. That information was not necessarily given freely. When Watson saw a picture of DNA taken by Rosalind Franklin a "light bulb" went on. It was then that he realized exactly what it looked like and was able to publish his results. Unfortunately, Rosalind did not offer this information to Watson and Cricke. It was stolen from her. She did not receive credit for the work she had done with DNA and therefore has gone unnoticed in most biology classes. On July 25 1920, Rosalind Elsie Franklin was born in London England. She excelled in school, especially chemistry and biology. At the age of 15, Franklin had decided to become a scientist even thought her father wanted her to be a social worker. (Maisel,1) Her father disapproved of a University Education for women and initially refused to pay for admission. (Maisel, 1) Eventually he agreed to pay for, but only after constant pressure from her mother and aunt. (Sayre, 1) It was then that she attended Newnham College in Cambridge in 1938. (Maisel, 1) Following her years of education, she had many accomplishments in her career as a scientist. Franklin's studies lead to major discoveries about the properties of coal, the density of DNA and more

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Science
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Research in Genetic Engineering Should Be Halted. Discuss

Research in Genetic Engineering Should Be Halted "The tools of molecular biology have enormous potential for both good and evil. Lurking behind every genetic dream come true is a possible Brave New World nightmare" (Dudley 13). Although we all might not acknowledge it, these words hold the key to the future of mankind. The science of genetic engineering, also referred to as biotechnology, first came into the scientific realm in the 1970s. This recent technology offered a new way to manipulate an organism or a population of organisms. Researchers and scientists from around the world were thrilled at the upcoming knowledge that could answer many of their questions dealing with all aspects of genetics. The new genetic engineering technology was never meant to hurt individuals. On the contrary, it offered promises of manipulating the molecules that make up the genetics of living matter in order to benefit, even save, an individual's life. Although genetic engineering promises good fortune for the human race, many questions have been raised pertaining to issues concerning safety, necessity, and, most of all, morality of the entire enterprise. It has been shown through the years, that genetic engineering not only provides great risks to men, women, and children but also presents potential dangers to the environment. True, genetic engineering can have numerous medical advantages,

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  • Level: GCSE
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Evolution Revision Notes

Evolution- Revision for test 11/03/13 Specification- . define the term variation 2. discuss the fact that variation occurs within as well as between species. 3. describe the differences between continuous and discontinuous variation, using examples of a range characteristics found in plants, animals and microorganisms. 4. explain both genetic and environmental causes of variation. 5. Outline the behavioural, physiological ad anatomical (structural) adaptations of organisms to their environments. 6. Explain the consequences of the four observations made by Darwin in proposing his theory of natural selection. 7. Define the term speciation. 8. Discuss the evidence supporting the theory of evolution, with reference to fossil, DNA and molecular evidence. 9. Outline how variation, adaptation and selection are major components of evolution. 0. Discuss why the evolution of pesticide resistance in insects and drug resistance in microorganisms has implications for humans. Variation Individuals within a species have many differences; this is known as intra-specific variation. Variation within a species has two causes- an organism’s genes and its environment. Genetic Variation Some of the variations between individuals within a species are caused by differences in their genes- genetic variation. Alleles – Different varieties of a gene for a particular

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  • Level: GCSE
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Describe the development of the theory of evolution, highlighting the processes involved.

Describe the development of scientific theory, highlighting the processes involved. Charles Darwin evolution theory. This theory was first to come forth by Jean Baptiste de Lamarck who was the first French scientist, but Charles Darwin was the one who had significantly backed up evidence whereas Jean Baptiste just had an alternative theory. One of the two theory’s Jean Baptiste came up with was; an animal becomes bigger and stronger, and any feature of an animal that is improved through use is passed to its offspring. 'On The Origin of Species' was published in 1859. On The Origin of Species was a scientific literature which was discovered twenty years after his epic journey on the HMS Beagle. Whilst on this epic journey Darwin would often get off the ship as he suffered from seasickness. Darwin volunteered to study life on land, which means he would stop at different islands for a few months and observed animals to back up his theory with evidence. One the islands he did stop on were the Galapagos Island and quickly cracked on with his evolutionary theory. After five years Darwin came back to England in October 1836 by Charles Darwin and sent his specimens to experts to study. Darwin collected 13 similar BUT different species or finches. Each of the finch species had a unique bill specialised for particular food source. Fossils are very hard to find, usually seen on

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  • Level: GCSE
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Discuss the benefits and concerns of genetic engineering.

Discuss the benefits and concerns of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering, or genetic modification, is the process in which genes can be transferred to the cells of animals and plants, at an early state of their development, so they develop desired characteristics. First of all you take the desired gene from one organism, using enzymes to isolate the gene, and then transfer this gene to the genetic material of a completely different organism. The gene is inserted into a vector (usually a bacterial plasmid or a virus), and this vector is used to insert the gene into the different organism. This concept is used in insulin production, which is needed by people who suffer with diabetes. Genetic engineering has many potential advantages, such as being able to produce organisms with desired characteristics quickly, for example in plant laboratories, but on the other hand, it’s expensive, and there are potential risks, like the possibility of the plants mutating in a dangerous way. Crops that have had their genes modified are known as genetically modified (GM) crops. GM crops give increased yields. Increasing crop yields is especially important; it provides food security for a constantly growing world population, and also the farmer can make more money! Plants can be made resistant to attack by insects because they have been modified to produce their own pesticides. Also

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Science
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