Kloonieläin

Kloonieläin refers to a cloned animal in Finnish. Cloning is a process that creates a genetically identical copy of an existing biological entity. This means that the cloned animal will have the same DNA as the original animal from which it was derived. The process typically involves taking a somatic cell from the donor animal and transferring its nucleus into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. This reconstructed embryo is then stimulated to develop and, if successful, is implanted into a surrogate mother.

The first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell was Dolly the sheep, born in 1996. Since then, cloning technology has been applied to various animal species, including cattle, pigs, horses, cats, and dogs. The primary motivations behind animal cloning include scientific research, conservation efforts for endangered species, and agricultural applications such as producing animals with desirable traits. However, cloning technology also raises ethical considerations and concerns regarding animal welfare, as the success rate can be low and cloned animals may experience health problems. The term kloonieläin is used in scientific and general discussions in Finland when referring to these genetically engineered animals.