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

1. making a full living copy of an organism; requires a surrogate mother