Question 1: Therapeutic cloning involves creating embryonic stem cells that are genetically identical to a donor for medical treatments. It typically uses somatic cell nuclear transfer to produce cloned cells for tissue repair or replacement. Explain the primary goal of therapeutic cloning in medicine.

Answer: The primary goal of therapeutic cloning is to produce genetically identical stem cells for repairing or replacing damaged tissues or organs in patients.

Question 1: Define somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Answer: Somatic cell nuclear transfer is a technique where the nucleus of a somatic cell is inserted into an enucleated egg cell to produce a clone.

Question 2: Describe how therapeutic cloning differs from reproductive cloning.

Answer: Therapeutic cloning aims to produce embryonic stem cells for medical treatment, while reproductive cloning creates a whole organism. The former does not involve creating a cloned organism.

Question 1: If a cloning experiment involves transferring the nucleus from a somatic cell with a DNA content of 6 picograms into an enucleated egg cell with 3 picograms of DNA, what is the total DNA content in the resulting cell immediately after transfer?

Answer: 9 picograms

Question 1: Design a basic outline of an experiment to test the effectiveness of therapeutic cloning in generating healthy tissue cells. Mention the variables involved and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment could involve transferring nuclei from donor cells into enucleated eggs, then cultivating the resulting stem cells to assess their health and genetic stability. Variables include the type of donor cell (independent variable) and the health of the stem cells (dependent variable). Safety precautions involve sterile techniques, proper disposal of biological waste, and avoiding contamination.

Question 1: In a study, 50 cloned embryos were created using somatic cell nuclear transfer. Out of these, 30 developed into healthy stem cell lines, while 20 showed abnormalities. Calculate the success rate of healthy stem cell line development and interpret what this indicates about therapeutic cloning.

Answer: The success rate is (30/50) x 100 = 60%. This indicates that while therapeutic cloning can produce healthy stem cells, there is a significant proportion that may develop abnormalities, highlighting the need for improving techniques.

Question 1: Explain the ethical considerations associated with therapeutic cloning.

Answer: Ethical considerations include concerns about the moral status of embryos created during cloning, the potential for misuse of cloning technology, and issues related to consent and genetic diversity. Some argue it may lead to commodification of human life, while others see it as a promising medical advancement.

Question 1: Describe one way therapeutic cloning could benefit patients with degenerative diseases.

Answer: It could provide personalized stem cells that can be used to regenerate damaged tissues or organs, reducing the risk of rejection and improving treatment outcomes.