asked 11.7k views
5 votes
How can we generate clones by nuclear transfer? Is the resulting organism truly a clone?

asked
User Jonas N
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Reproductive cloning via somatic cell nuclear transfer involves introducing a diploid nucleus from a donor's somatic cell into an enucleated egg, resulting in an exact genetic replica of the donor.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reproductive cloning is a technique used to generate clones by nuclear transfer. This approach involves taking the egg cell from one individual and removing the haploid nucleus. Next, a diploid nucleus from a somatic cell of a donor organism is introduced into the enucleated egg. The egg must then be stimulated to initiate cell division, leading to the development of an embryo and subsequently, a new organism that is an exact genetic replica of the donor organism. This process, known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), is complex and typically requires several attempts to be successful. While it can produce organisms that are genetically identical to the donor, these clones are not truly 'clones' in the sense that some variation can arise due to mitochondrial DNA and potential changes in epigenetic factors.

answered
User D Krueger
by
8.2k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.