Clonaciones

Clonaciones refers to the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an existing biological entity. This can apply to a single gene, a cell, tissue, or an entire organism. The most widely recognized form is reproductive cloning, where an organism is created that is genetically identical to another. Therapeutic cloning, on the other hand, aims to create embryonic stem cells that are genetically matched to a patient, with the potential to treat diseases without immune rejection.

The technique most commonly associated with cloning is Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT). In SCNT, the nucleus from a somatic cell (any body cell other than a sperm or egg cell) is transferred into an enucleated egg cell (an egg cell with its own nucleus removed). This reconstructed egg cell then develops into an embryo, which can be implanted into a surrogate mother to produce a cloned organism or used to harvest stem cells.

Cloning has been achieved in various species, including sheep (Dolly the sheep being the most famous example), cattle, pigs, and cats. While reproductive cloning raises ethical and practical concerns, particularly regarding animal welfare and the potential for misuse, therapeutic cloning holds promise for regenerative medicine. Research continues to explore the possibilities and challenges associated with various forms of cloning.