Unit 5! Amy Randolph-Chernis

The definition of bioethics is somewhat complex… The study of the ethical and moral implications of new biological discoveries and biomedical advances — as in the fields of genetic engineering and drug research. The branch of ethics, philosophy and social commentary that discusses the life sciences and their potential impact on society. The study of value judgments pertaining to human conduct in the areas of biology and biotechnology. The study of the moral and ethical choices scientists and doctors face in medical research and in the treatment of patients. The exploration of moral and ethical questions surrounding life, health, science, medicine and the environment.

Let’s consider Is reproductive cloning a violation of natural birth? How about the cloning of a beloved one who dies accidentally? How about cloning for sterile couples? Under what circumstances do you want to make a copy of yourself?

History of cloning Northern leopard frogs cloned Structure of DNA discovered Louise, the first child conceived through in vitro fertilization, was born.

Bioethics of Cloning The bioethics of cloning includes a range of discussions in law, philosophy, medicine, social policy and animal and human rights. The bioethical debates about cloning have focused mainly on human cloning for research and reproduction.

History of cloning Human embryos were first cloned (artificial embryo twinning) July 5, Dolly was born.

Dolly – the first mammal cloned using mature cell Dolly the Lamb in 1996 Method: Nuclear transfer Organization: Roslin Institute at UK and PPL Therapeutics August 2002

More clones… Cumulina the Mouse in 1998 Organization: University of Hawaii

More clones… Cattle in 1998 Organization: Kinki University at Japan

More clones… Mille, Christa, Alexis, Carrel and Dotcom the Pigs in 2000 Organization: PPL Therapeutics of UK

More clones… Carbon Copy the Cat in 2002 Organization: Texas A & M University, USA

More clones… Generation of Prometea, 2003 Organization: A research laboratory in Italy

Two methods of cloning Embryo cloning - remove a cell from an embryo for developing into a separate embryo. Adult cell cloning - replace DNA/nucleus from a cell by another.

Two methods of cloning Embryo cloning- do not know the characteristics of the offspring. Adult cell cloning – characteristics are almost the same as the nucleus donor.

The Creation of Dolly Photo from Step 1. Udder cells were taken from a donor sheep. Cells were then cultured to switch off their genes and become dormant.

The Creation of Dolly Step 2. Unfertilized egg cell was taken from another sheep. The nucleus was removed, leaving an empty egg. Photo from

The Creation of Dolly Step 3. The egg cell without nucleus was fused with the donor cell using a pulse of electricity. A second pulse started the cell division. Photo from

The Creation of Dolly Step 4. After 6 days, the resulting embryo was implanted into another sheep (surrogate mother). Photo from

The Creation of Dolly Step 5. After gestation the surrogate mother gave birth to Dolly which was identical to the udder cell donor. Photo from

Dolly dies at 6 February 14, 2003 Dolly, the world's first cloned sheep, has been euthanized after being diagnosed with progressive lung disease, the Roslin Institute has said. The decision was taken to end her life at the age of 6 after a veterinary examination confirmed the lung disease, a statement from the institute said. "Sheep can live to 11 or 12 years of age and lung infections are common in older sheep, particularly those housed inside," said Dr. Harry Griffin, head of the institute.

Let’s consider Is reproductive cloning a violation of natural birth? How about the cloning of a beloved one who dies accidentally? How about cloning for sterile couples? Under what circumstances do you want to make a copy of yourself?