Benefits of Gene Cloning

According to the Human Genome Project, gene cloning occurs when “a DNA fragment of interest from one organism [is transferred] to a self-replicating genetic element such as a bacterial plasmid,” where it can be copied. Gene cloning has many benefits, from allowing scientists to combat diseases to creating much-needed organs for patients who are waiting for transplants to improving the taste and quality of the food you eat to even repopulating endangered populations of animals.

Study of Genetic Disorders

• Scientists can use gene cloning to combat diseases by isolating a disease-causing gene. After scientists study and take samples from several families who share a similar genetic disorder, the scientists can figure out which gene is responsible for causing the disorder. Gene cloning technology may then lead to the discovery of a cure for the disorder by allowing scientists to substitute healthy genes for the undesirable ones.

Organ Replacement

• Advances in gene cloning allow scientists to delve deeper into the science of producing organs. There is hope that eventually gene cloning will allow scientists to grow individual organs to be used in patients needing a transplant. According to The Gene School, in the U.K., scientists have found a way to insert human DNA in fish, rabbits, pigs, sheep, cows, and mice. Because many doctors have started to study using pig organs for transplants, the insertion of human DNA into pig organs could mean safer, more effective transplants with stronger organs. As stem cell research (the harvesting of cells from embryonic tissue) advances, scientists may eventually be able to grow individual organs.

Better Food

• In agriculture, gene cloning allows farmers to replicate their strongest crops and farm animals rather than resort to interbreeding, which can reduce the risk of diseases. Cloning also takes the guesswork out of animal reproduction. Rather than breeding the cow with the meatiest build to the cow with the second-meatiest build in the hopes of producing a third big cow, a farmer could simply clone the biggest cow and guarantee the quality of his stock.

Repopulation of Animals

• According to the Human Genome Project, reproductive genetic cloning could also lead to the repopulation of endangered species. In 2001 a wild ox called a gaur was the first endangered wild animal to be cloned. Although the young ox named “Noah” died just 48 hours after its birth from a cow “mother” that had hosted the embryo, it inspired the expansion of the study of cloning wild animals. Later that year in Italy, an endangered wild sheep called a mouflon was successfully cloned and as of December 2009 was still living. In early 2009 British scientists were even able to resurrect an extinct breed of ibex by cloning its DNA. Although the ibex did not live more than a few months, its birth proved that scientists are closer to finding a way to bring back endangered and even extinct animals.