Question 1: Define therapeutic cloning and explain its primary purpose in medicine.

Answer: Therapeutic cloning is a process where a somatic cell is used to create embryonic stem cells identical to the donor for medical treatment, such as tissue repair or regeneration.

Question 2: Describe how therapeutic cloning can be utilised in forensic science.

Answer: It can be used to produce DNA samples identical to a suspect or victim, aiding in identification during criminal investigations.

Question 3: What is the main difference between reproductive and therapeutic cloning?

Answer: Reproductive cloning aims to create a new organism, while therapeutic cloning produces embryonic stem cells for medical purposes.

Question 4: In the context of forensics, why is the use of stem cells from therapeutic cloning advantageous?

Answer: Because they are genetically identical to the donor, allowing for accurate DNA analysis for identification.

Question 1: If a somatic cell undergoes mitosis to produce 8 daughter cells, how many rounds of cell division have occurred?

Answer: 3

Question 2: Calculate the total number of chromosomes in a human somatic cell after 2 rounds of mitosis, given that the original cell has 46 chromosomes.

Answer: 46

Question 1: Design a basic outline for an experiment to extract stem cells from cloned embryos for forensic DNA analysis. Include key variables and safety precautions (theory only).

Answer: The experiment involves creating cloned embryos using somatic cells and SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer). Variables include source of somatic cells, culture medium, and temperature. Safety precautions involve sterile techniques, proper disposal of biological waste, and ethical approval. The stem cells are then harvested for DNA extraction, ensuring minimal contamination and ethical compliance.

Question 2: Identify two ethical issues associated with the use of therapeutic cloning in forensic science.

Answer: Potential ethical issues include the destruction of human embryos and concerns about consent and misuse of cloned tissues.

Question 1: A forensic lab used therapeutic cloning to generate DNA samples. Out of 50 samples, 48 matched the suspect's DNA, while 2 did not. What might explain the mismatched samples?

Answer: Possible explanations include contamination, errors during sample preparation, or mutations occurring during cloning.

Question 2: If the probability of a DNA match by chance is 1 in 1,000,000, what is the statistical significance of 48 matches out of 50 samples in forensic analysis?

Answer: Using probability calculations, the high number of matches indicates a very significant result, strongly supporting the suspect's involvement.

Question 1: Explain how therapeutic cloning can assist in recreating tissues for injured individuals involved in forensic investigations.

Answer: Therapeutic cloning can generate embryonic stem cells that are genetically identical to an individual, allowing for the development of personalised tissues or organs. In forensic cases, this technology can help in repairing or replacing damaged tissues, providing evidence of identity or aiding in reconstructive procedures.

Question 2: Describe two technological advances that have improved the application of therapeutic cloning in forensic science.

Answer: Advances include improved techniques in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and enhanced DNA sequencing methods, which increase accuracy and efficiency in forensic analysis.