Question 1: Cloning is a process used to create genetically identical copies of an organism or cell. It involves techniques that can produce exact copies of DNA, cells, or entire organisms. One common method of cloning in animals is somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).

Answer: Cloning is a process to produce genetically identical copies of an organism or cell, often using techniques like somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Question 1: Define 'somatic cell nuclear transfer'.

Answer: A cloning technique where the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred into an enucleated egg cell.

Question 2: Describe the main steps involved in the cloning process using SCNT.

Answer: The main steps are: 1) Extracting the nucleus from an egg cell; 2) Inserting a nucleus from a somatic cell into the enucleated egg; 3) Stimulating the egg to begin dividing; 4) Implanting the developing embryo into a surrogate mother.

Question 1: If a cloned sheep's genome size is approximately 3.2 x 10^9 base pairs, calculate the total length of DNA in metres if each base pair is about 0.34 nanometres long.

Answer: Total length = genome size (base pairs) x length per base pair = 3.2 x 10^9 x 0.34 x 10^-9 m = 1.088 m

Question 1: Outline three safety precautions that must be taken during cloning experiments involving animal cells.

Answer: Use sterile techniques to prevent contamination, handle all biological materials with gloves and protective equipment, and dispose of biological waste safely.

Question 2: Identify two ethical issues associated with cloning animals for research or commercial purposes.

Answer: Concerns about animal welfare and the potential loss of genetic diversity.

Question 1: A cloning experiment produced 10 cloned sheep. Of these, 8 were healthy and exhibited normal growth, while 2 showed developmental abnormalities. Calculate the percentage of healthy clones and interpret what this might indicate about cloning success rates.

Answer: Percentage of healthy clones = (8/10) x 100 = 80%. This suggests that cloning has a high success rate, but there is still a significant risk of abnormalities.

Question 1: Explain the advantages and disadvantages of cloning animals using SCNT. In your answer, consider scientific, ethical, and practical aspects.

Answer: Advantages include the ability to produce genetically identical animals for research or agriculture, and the potential to preserve endangered species. Disadvantages involve ethical concerns about animal welfare, low success rates, risk of developmental abnormalities, and the high cost and technical difficulty of the process.

Question 1: Describe how cloning technology is used in the production of genetically modified animals for medicine, giving one specific example.

Answer: Cloning is used to produce genetically modified animals, such as goats that produce medicines in their milk, for example, producing antithrombin for blood clotting disorders.