Introduction
When the news about a genetically cloned sheep named “Dolly” was reported, various reactions were generated from different groups of people. Many were shocked and had strongly disagreed with the idea – these are mostly the religious groups and the most conservative ones in the society. There are some who became genuinely interested and have found themselves excitedly waiting for more results and further researches on the topic – these people are mostly those who are inclined to sciences and are much willing to defy the church.
But why do these people have these reactions towards this thing called cloning? What really is cloning? How come it has taken the attention of many? Is it really scientifically challenging? Or does it offer a possible advantage to humans, like us?
Cloning: Defined
Technically speaking, cloning is a means of isolating particular parts of the genome in small fragments of DNA and making copies of and studying the sequence in another organism. It can also mean the process of producing by nonsexual means an identical copy of organisms. There are actually three types of approaches to cloning. First is cloning using a specialized DNA technology producing multiple, exact copies of a single gene or another segment of DNA that will help obtain enough material for future studies.
This is referred to as “DNA cloning” and has been used in the Human Genome Project. The second type of cloning exploits the natural process of cell division to make many copies of an entire cell. The genetic makeup of these cloned cells, called a cell line, is identical to the original cell. And lastly, the third type of cloning produces complete, genetically identical animals such as the famous Scottish sheep, Dolly1.
In a more laymen’s term, cloning is like having a clearer “carbon copy” of one person, animal, or any organism for that matter. What’s more interesting on this, though it can be scary also, is the possibility that one could create a much better replica of himself. If researches could be successful, one can easily make several copies of him… acquiring his traits and personalities, his talents, his skills, his intelligence and even his interests. But as I’ve said, one could even make a better imitation of himself… hence a cloned person could be made “perfect” in a sense that the characteristics that are lacking on the “original” entity could be added and enhanced so that the “cloned” body could have that characteristics.
Yes, this is how science and technology go now. And this is also why many are putting their best foot to go against the idea of cloning. Religious sectors and the “conservative” ones fear that bad things are bound to happen if this process will push through. They are thinking and debating that this is not written in the Holy Bible. Hence this is not right and proper. On the other hand, people who are supporting this process believe that this could offer great help to all humanity. They are providing ample proof that through cloning, various deadly diseases nowadays could be cured. They are going around the idea that cloning could help ease the entire people from suffering from detrimental diseases and have a longer life span. They are also arguing that cloning could help man to live a better life.
Taking a Stand
It is strongly believed that this study on human embryonic stem lines, where cloning has become an integral aspect, should be continued, and no one should hinder it from pushing through. This endeavor is truly a big leap forward in the advancement of science and technology, and medical and human aspects are some of the few factors that will be greatly benefited.
Specifically, this study of human embryonic stem cells offers some benefits. One of the first benefits is that the study of human embryonic stem cells will lead to major advances in human biology. Embryonic stem cell research will provide critical insights into mechanisms of cell differentiation, growth, and death. More so, understanding stem cells may provide keys to why people age2. It should be noted that scientists are interested in stem cells because they have the potential to become virtually any other kind of cell in the body and so might be used to replace tissues that have failed3. And lastly, scientists believed that if we have successful cured lymphoma and leukemia with this study, therefore there is a great possibility that we can also cure diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, among others, in the near future4.
Another big benefit that can be contributed by the study of human embryonic stem cell therapies is that there is a possibility that it can save lives and restore the function of people. Human embryonic stem cells can replace damaged or lost cells which include diabetes, degenerative neurological diseases, demyelinating diseases, brain & spinal cord injury5
Various arguments were said and done, various comments were heard and argued upon, but there is really one thing common to this all… and that is the purpose of having a better life for humanity. I, myself, am thinking that if cloning could really help us solve our problems on the numerous diseases that until now have not yet found any cure for, then, by all means, I will be supporting the process of cloning. But they, the scientists, should provide good evidence on this matter. And they should be open to the people as to the possibility of danger that this cloning may cause us. Researching and testing of cloning should be an open book to all of us so that we may know what to expect, and we may immediately react to it.
References
Cloning. (2004) Google.com. Web.
Dimeo FC, Tilmann MH, Bertz H, et al. Aerobic exercise in the rehabilitation of cancer patients after high dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation. Cancer, 79:1717-1722. 1997.
Eggertson, Laura. (2001). Cloning in Canada? Don’t hold your breath. CMAJ Canadian leading medical journal. Web.
Embryonic Stem Cells: An Introduction to Science ethics and Legislation. 2004. Web.
Health Canada. (2005). Human Cloning. Health Canada, Canada. Web.
Mining Stem Cells. 2004. Web.
Mitalipova, Maisam et. al. Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Derived from Discarded Embryos AlphaMed Press. 2003. Web.
UK Human Embryonic Stem Cells First. BBC News. 2003. Web.
Young, Wise. Morality of Stem Cells. 2004. Web.