The Science of Cloning Explained

Understanding genetic duplication From science fiction to scientific reality Grade 6 Science

What Do You Think Cloning Is?

Think about what you've seen in movies What does the word 'clone' mean to you? Share your ideas with a partner

What is Cloning?

Making an exact genetic copy of a living thing The clone has identical DNA to the original Like having an identical twin born at a different time Cloning happens naturally and artificially

Natural Cloning in Nature

Identical twins are natural clones Some plants clone themselves through runners Bacteria clone themselves when they divide Starfish can regrow from pieces

Natural Clone Detective

Look at these examples Which ones are natural clones? Identical twins, spider plants, potato eyes, apple seeds

History of Cloning Timeline

The Famous Clone: Dolly the Sheep

Born in Scotland in 1996 First mammal cloned from an adult cell Named after country singer Dolly Parton Lived for 6 years and had normal babies

How Does Cloning Work?

Take DNA from the animal you want to clone Remove DNA from an egg cell Put the clone DNA into the empty egg The egg grows into an identical copy

Types of Cloning

{"left":"Reproductive Cloning\nTherapeutic Cloning\nCreates a whole living animal\nCreates cells for medical research","right":"Like making Dolly the sheep\nUsed to study diseases\nResults in a baby animal\nResults in specialized cells"}

Why Might Scientists Want to Clone Animals?

Think about endangered species Consider medical research needs What about farming and food? Discuss with your group

Benefits of Cloning

Could save endangered species from extinction Help create organs for transplant patients Produce animals with special medicines Study genetic diseases better

Concerns About Cloning

Cloned animals sometimes have health problems It's expensive and difficult to do Some people think it's not natural Questions about animal welfare