The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

172 The Idea of an Essay: Volume 3 The Quandary of Cloning Kyle Hooper Kyle Hooper is a freshman Biology major at Cedarville University who hopes to one day attend medical school. His interests include both science and science fiction. From Star Wars to Star Trek and beyond, the concept of cloning, specifically of humans, has gripped the interest of popular culture for decades. However, the once science fiction practice became eerily real when, in 1997, the first successfully cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep, was introduced to the world by the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh (Staicu 149). Since this feat of genetic engineering, arguments have arisen globally amongst both scholars and the populace alike, concerning whether or not the science of human cloning should be pursued. This argument has generally produced two sides, with one believing that not only a plethora of ethical and religious issues, but also enough scientific and legal dilemmas exist to support the notion that human cloning should never be practiced. On the other hand, many believe that human cloning has far too many potential benefits to be ignored, and that many of the ethical arguments presented against the practice are ungrounded. This essay aims to present a basic understanding of the science of cloning, and also to display arguments and counter- arguments from each side of the human cloning debate. Before grappling with the various disagreements and nuances surrounding human cloning, it is best to understand cloning in general as well as its place in modern society. In simple terms, cloning is accomplished through what is known as somatic cell nuclear transfer, or SCNT. This is a method in which the nucleus is removed from an ovum, or egg cell, and is then replaced by the nucleus (and, therefore, the DNA) of a somatic cell, or any cell from an organism that has a complete, genetic makeup. Under certain conditions, usually by means of shock or chemical therapy, the egg cell will then act as fertilized and engage in cellular division,