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Unit 5!
Amy Randolph-Chernis
The definition of bioethics is somewhat
complex…

The study of the ethical and moral implications of new
biological discoveries and biomedical advances — as in the
fields of genetic engineering and drug research.

The branch of ethics, philosophy and social commentary that
discusses the life sciences and their potential impact on
society.

The study of value judgments pertaining to human conduct
in the areas of biology and biotechnology.

The study of the moral and ethical choices scientists and
doctors face in medical research and in the treatment of
patients.

The exploration of moral and ethical questions surrounding
life, health, science, medicine and the environment.
Let’s consider ......

Is reproductive cloning a violation of natural
birth?

How about the cloning of a beloved one who
dies accidentally?

How about cloning for sterile couples?

Under what circumstances do you want to
make a copy of yourself ?
History of cloning

1952 - Northern leopard frogs cloned.

1953 - Structure of DNA discovered.

1978 - Louise, the first child conceived through
in vitro fertilization, was born.
Bioethics of Cloning

The bioethics of cloning includes a range
of discussions in law, philosophy,
medicine, social policy and animal and
human rights.

The bioethical debates about cloning
have focused mainly on human cloning
for research and reproduction.
History of cloning
1993- Human embryos were first cloned
(artificial embryo twinning)
 July 5, 1996- Dolly was born.

Dolly – the first mammal cloned
using mature cell

Dolly the Lamb in
1996

Method: Nuclear
transfer

Organization: Roslin
Institute at UK and
PPL Therapeutics
August 2002
More clones…
Cumulina the Mouse in
1998
 Organization: University
of Hawaii

More clones…
Cattle in 1998
 Organization:
Kinki University
at Japan

More clones…
Mille, Christa, Alexis,
Carrel and Dotcom
the Pigs in 2000
 Organization: PPL
Therapeutics of UK

More clones…
Carbon Copy the
Cat in 2002
 Organization:
Texas A & M
University, USA

More clones…
Generation of
Prometea, 2003
 Organization: A
research laboratory
in Italy

Two methods of cloning

Embryo cloning - remove a cell from
an embryo for developing into a
separate embryo.

Adult cell cloning - replace
DNA/nucleus from a cell by another.
Two methods of cloning

Embryo cloning- do not know the
characteristics of the offspring.

Adult cell cloning – characteristics are
almost the same as the nucleus donor.
The Creation of Dolly
Step 1.
Udder cells were
taken from a donor
sheep. Cells were
then cultured to
switch off their
genes and become
dormant.
Photo from www.bootstrike.com, www.nature.com
The Creation of Dolly
Step 2.
Unfertilized egg
cell was taken
from another
sheep. The
nucleus was
removed, leaving
an empty egg.
Photo from www.pbs.org. www.nature.com, www.sciam.com
The Creation of Dolly
Step 3.
The egg cell
without nucleus
was fused with
the donor cell
using a pulse of
electricity. A
second pulse
started the cell
division.
Photo from www.advancedcell.com. www.nature.com
The Creation of Dolly
Step 4.
After 6 days,
the resulting
embryo was
implanted into
another sheep
(surrogate
mother).
Photo from www.pbs.org, www.nature.com
The Creation of Dolly
Step 5.
After gestation
the surrogate
mother gave
birth to Dolly
which was
identical to the
udder cell donor.
Photo from www.pbs.org
Dolly dies at 6 February 14, 2003
Dolly, the world's first cloned sheep, has
been euthanized after being diagnosed
with progressive lung disease, the Roslin
Institute has said. The decision was taken
to end her life at the age of 6 after a
veterinary examination confirmed the lung
disease, a statement from the institute said.
"Sheep can live to 11 or 12 years of age and
lung infections are common in older sheep,
particularly those housed inside," said Dr.
Harry Griffin, head of the institute.
Let’s consider ......

Is reproductive cloning a violation of natural
birth?

How about the cloning of a beloved one who
dies accidentally?

How about cloning for sterile couples?

Under what circumstances do you want to
make a copy of yourself ?