Stem Cells and Cloning
Stem Cells Stem Cell: a cell that can continuously divide and differentiate into various tissues Two Types: Multipotent: adult stem cells and somatic cells Pluripotent: embryonic cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells kohn#watch kohn#watch
Cloning Clone: an organism, cell, or piece of genetic material that is identical to the one that was preexisting; to make a genetic duplicate Natural cloning: asexual reproduction Abnormal development is the reason most clones do not survive very long
SCNT: Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Remove nucleus of surrogate’s egg cell Replace with nucleus of adult cell you wish to clone: Place cell next to empty surrogate egg cell Use an electric shock to open membranes and fuse cells Cell will begin to divide and develop into an embryo – implant into surrogate
Cloning Humans? Is it possible? Is it something we should be worried about?
Ethics Safety Unknown effects Results vary Human Rights When does human life begin? Can iPS cells become human clones? Genetic Engineering