Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

Over the past decade, advances in the field of cloning have allowed for the possibility of human cloning. By using the process of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), in which the DNA from an adult cell is transferred into an unfertilized egg, scientists have developed the ability to clone numerous types of animals related to humans. Cloning has proven to be useful in several areas of science, improving scientists' understanding of the functions of genes and the cell cycle. In addition, scientists are on the path toward using cloning in order to create organs, tissues, and other technologies useful for the treatment of humans with serious diseases.

On July 5, 1996, an adult sheep clone known as Dolly was created by using the somatic nuclear cell transfer technique and became the first clone from an adult somatic cell (Lewis 2001). Dolly marked a significant accomplishment in the field of cloning. Cloning research, which began during the 1950s under Robert Briggs and Thomas King, had come a long way (Campbell 2004). In order to create Dolly, scientists Wilmut and Campbell needed to use certain techniques in order to ensure that the clone zygote developed in the same manner as a normal embryo (Lewis 2001). Several steps were taken so that this feat could be accomplished, all of which were based upon previous research by scientists in the field of cloning. (Lewis 2001).

First, Wilmut and Campbell used a technique developed by Danish researcher Steen Willadsen (Lewis 2001). In order to halt cell division and to separate cells out of the blastula to be used as receptors for DNA, they removed the zona pellucida covering from the cells (Robinson 2001). However, as previous experiments had shown, the artificial zygotes created we...

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...d have a greater probability of becoming pregnant. Furthermore, the fertilized zygotes could be stored for future use. Therefore, if a child was placed in a situation where he needed bone marrow to survive, an identical twin could be created in order to supply its extra bone marrow (Robinson 2001).

Through further research on cloning, scientists will be able to gain a greater understanding of human genetics and biological processes and can also use the technology for various medical purposes. With continued work on human embryo cloning, organs and bone marrow will be harvested for humans in dire need. Throughout history, scientists and doctors have sought ways to improve medical methods. Under the current cloning research, it is likely that many changes in the area of healthcare will be made and that patients suffering from various diseases will now have hope.