Animal Cloning
Is animal cloning worth the risk?
Background Information
- The term cloning describes processes that can be used to produce genetically identical copies of an animal. The copied animal is called a clone.
- Cloning uses the same approach as twinning, but it is carried out in a Petri dish instead of inside the mom.
- When scientists clone a gene, they isolate and make exact copies of just one of an organism's genes, instead of all of its DNA.
- A common belief is that a clone, if created, would magically appear at the same age as the original. This is not true at all.
- Many clones live long healthy lives.
Pros
- We can use clones for food
- Dolly's ( a cloned sheep) milk has proteins that can heal human blood clotting
- We can keep some animals from going extinct
- They could clone animals with unique characteristics and make a whole new species
- The organ donor waiting list can be terminated
Cons
- Costs of animal cloning are extremely high
- Many people think cloning is taking the role of god
- The meats, furs, and milks that cloned animals provide have not yet been tested for safety
- 85% of cloning attempts fail
- The food supply in an ecosystem good be messed up
Final thoughts
I believe that animal cloning is not worth the risk. I feel it should be made a little bit safer before it is used on humans or anything else.
Bibliography
- "Cloning." Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection. Detroit: Gale, 2015. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 11 Dec. 2015.
- "Fast Facts About Animal Cloning : End Animal Cloning." Fast Facts About Animal Cloning : End Animal Cloning. N.p., 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.
- Lombardo, Crystal. "Cloning Extinct Animals Pros and Cons - Vision Launch." Vision Launch. N.p., 12 Dec. 2014. Web. 15 Dec. 2015.