Biotechnology: the Idea of Cloning - Coursework Example

Dolly was created through a process using the mammary cells of a donor sheep. Human cloning in its most basic form is the act of taking one individual and making an exact biological replica of that organism (Genetic Science Learning Center, 2013). Dolly the Sheep was conceived and born into the world; however, she suffered from a few health conditions, including rapid aging, which ultimately claimed her life at half the life span of a normal sheep. This means that cloning does come with some obvious and unavoidable side effects that cannot go unaddressed. At the same time, it, also, offers some amazing potential benefits that cannot be ignored. For this reason, the debate over the cloning of any living thing will remain ever-present for some time to come.

Cloning is at the top of the list of potential biotechnological advances. Given the provided definition of biotechnologies, cloning, ultimately, fits in nicely with that definition. Cloning could provide means to treat illness, eliminate the need for unrelated organ donors, and better the medical futures of generations of people. Some researchers believe that cloning animal and plant life could be the solution to hunger; not only can the numbers be forcibly produced, but diseases and weaknesses can be bred out. It is human beings stepping into the role of creator and providing themselves with what they “need.”

In this case, it is the ability to develop clones of living people for whatever endeavors they see fit. This may allow human beings, particularly, to breed for desired traits and eliminate those that are not; they may even be able to inbreed resistance to certain diseases. It could, also, be beneficial for people unable to produce offspring of their own; infertility could be completely overridden (Oak, 2011). The potential positive outcomes are inviting. However, there are side effects that are far less attractive. There is the possibility of misuse of the technology, of course. There are concerns involving the limiting of genetic diversity. If science is breeding for specific traits in multiple people then that lessens the diversity that has allowed our species to survive for millennia. The cloning of organs could lead to malpractice suits of the age if they fail or are in any way ineffective.

The remaining issues that are raised when it comes to cloning are ethical. Many are asking if these amazing technologies that allow individuals to clone themselves for the future need to be available to all people, or just to those who can offer the most money. Once again, bringing up the issue of “placing a value on individual lives;” that some lives have more value than others. More so, others are arguing that the whole concept of life having value would be negated. Living clones, like cloned parts, could be perceived as property (Oak, 2011). Cloning, like many wonders of scientific and technological advancement, is very much a double-edged sword. In the end, it is less about the technology of cloning and more about the ethical lines that many people believe need to be well defined. Cloning a needed organ instead of a donated organ is one thing, but cloning a living breathing person is a whole other issue. There are positives, negatives, and many more long years of debate to come before any resolutions are found. Read More