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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!