Cloned

Cloned is an adjective describing something produced by cloning, the process of creating genetically identical copies of another entity. It can refer to DNA sequences, cells, organisms, or digital data. The term stems from clone, from the Greek klōnē meaning "twig" and entered scientific use with genetics.

In biology, cloning includes several approaches. Gene cloning copies specific DNA fragments for research and biotechnology. Reproductive cloning seeks to create a living, genetically identical organism, typically via somatic cell nuclear transfer to produce a cloned embryo implanted into a surrogate. Therapeutic cloning uses similar methods to obtain embryonic stem cells for research and potential therapies.

Notable milestones include Dolly the sheep (1996), the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell. Since then others have been cloned, though success rates remain low and outcomes vary. Plant cloning is widespread in agriculture, and gene cloning is routinely used to produce proteins such as insulin.

Ethical and regulatory concerns accompany cloning, including animal welfare, genetic diversity, consent, and potential impacts on society. Legal status differs by country and by cloning type; reproductive cloning faces broad restrictions in many jurisdictions, while therapeutic cloning faces ongoing debate about embryo research.

Digital cloning refers to duplicating data, software, or virtual agents, and is a related but separate use of the term.