reproductive cloning
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: The process of creating a genetically identical, living organism from the somatic cells of an existing organism. This process requires the implantation of the cloned embryo into a surrogate mother's uterus for gestation and birth.
Usage
This term is used specifically in the fields of biology, biotechnology, and bioethics. It refers to the end goal of producing a cloned live-born individual, as opposed to cloning for research purposes only.
Examples
- Noun:
- The successful reproductive cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996 was a major scientific milestone.
- Many countries have enacted laws banning human reproductive cloning due to ethical concerns.
- The debate focuses on whether reproductive cloning should be permitted for endangered species.
Advanced Usage
- "to pursue reproductive cloning": to actively conduct research or experiments aimed at creating a cloned organism.
- The institute decided not to pursue reproductive cloning of primates.
- In contrast to "therapeutic cloning": Often discussed in opposition to therapeutic cloning, which creates embryos for stem cell research, not for implantation and birth.
- The legislation clearly distinguishes between therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning.
Variants and Related Words
- Clone (n/v): The resulting identical organism, or the act of creating it.
- The clone exhibited the same genetic traits as the donor.
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT): The primary technical method used for reproductive cloning.
- Therapeutic cloning (n): Cloning for the purpose of harvesting stem cells, not for producing a live birth.
Synonyms
- Genetic duplication: (Less common) The duplication of an organism's genome to create a new individual.
- Asexual reproduction via cloning: (Technical) Emphasizes the non-sexual method of creating offspring.
Related Phrases
- "a ban on reproductive cloning": A common phrase in legal and ethical discussions.
- The United Nations considered a global ban on reproductive cloning.
- "the ethics of reproductive cloning": A standard phrase introducing debates on the moral implications.
- The conference will discuss the ethics of reproductive cloning.
Related Idioms
No common idioms are directly associated with this specific technical term.
Noun
- making a full living copy of an organism; requires a surrogate mother