Download CLONE

TO CLONE OR NOT TO CLONE
THAT IS THE QUESTION!
Because of all the recent hullabaloo about the sheep clone
in Scotland, I decided to read the article in the journal Nature
for myself. Here's what I discovered.
Yes, they really did it: Cloned an identical copy of an
existing adult ewe. For the first time (that we know of) adult
tissue provided the chromosomal DNA for implantation inside an
egg cell whose nucleus had previously been removed. Now in
normal reproduction of course, it usually takes a male gamete
(sperm cell) to fertilize the female egg. The chromosomes in
both gametes are half that of the adult and so by their fusion
the correct chromosome number is retained. Also a genetically
unique individual is formed unlike either parent and probably
unlike all other members of its species. This "uniqueness" of
the individual means variety in the population and that is the
secret of a specie's survivability.
That's why sexual reproduction is so popular among the
higher organisms. It is an excellent way to keep different
combinations of genes active in a population. This variability
makes a species strong and adaptable over time, especially when
the environment changes and new genetic combinations prove to be
better adapted.
Many species also can reproduce without sex. Though not as
"fun" it can be a real advantage if a suitable mate is not
available. This natural "cloning" occurs in the most primitive
organisms all the way up through some of the higher vertebrates.
Called "parthenogenesis" by biologists, it occurs in females
that lay eggs without them needing to be fertilized by a male.
Insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles are just a few classes of
animals that can clone themselves in such a manner. "Virgin
birth" may not be as miraculous as we'd like to believe!
And now man is close to having that same ability, a scary
thought for some of us whose religious and ethical convictions
stand to be challenged if not violated. The implications are
ENORMOUS and it is imperative that we make no hasty decisions
based on fear of the unknown or our emotions.
The benefits could be many: Organ transplants, cures for
cancer and other genetic diseases, regeneration of tissues such
as in spinal cord injuries or even regrowth of lost limbs, eyes,
etc,. Genetic engineering of plants and animals has already
produced food crops and milk cows with greatly boosted yields.
Cloning is one more tool in the arsenal of the genetic engineer.
But now that humans themselves have become the potential
subjects of these experiments, suddenly the ethics and morals of
all genetic manipulation seems to be in question. Visions of
Hitler's Nazi Germany and his controlled breeding programs to
create a super race are mentioned. The book and movie, "The
Island of Dr. Moreau" comes to mind where unfortunate humans are
the subjects of genetic manipulation with recombinant animal DNA,
producing hideous creatures with beastly instincts. Indeed, if
Ponce de Leon (the Spanish explorer who searched for the fountain
of youth) were alive today he'd be on the first flight to
Edinburgh, Scotland.
There is no doubt that new, never before considered
guidelines for genetic research will have to be determined.
Religious leaders, research scientists, politicians, medical
doctors from all over the world will want to get in on this one.
Lets hope and pray that they get it right. The destiny of our
species is no longer a function of natural selection. Indeed,
for the first time, our destiny may be truly in our own hands!