Current
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (Therapeutic Cloning)
Cloning is the creation of multiple copies of a single molecule,
cell, or virus. There are many different kinds of cloning, most
of which are now commonplace in science. Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
(SCNT) or therapeutic cloning involves removing the nucleus of an
unfertilized egg cell, replacing it with the material from the nucleus
of a "somatic cell" (a skin, heart, or nerve cell, for
example), and stimulating this cell to begin dividing. Once the
cell begins dividing, stem cells can be extracted 5-6 days later
and used for research. The AAMC supports on-going research into
SCNT and has endorsed legislation that would allow such research
to flourish.
Reproductive cloning, on the other hand, is intended to create
human beings by cloning human embryos. The AAMC and the National
Academy of Sciences recommend a ban on all forms of this type of
cloning. More >>
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