Contents

Acknowledgement
Abstract
Introduction to Cloning
How cloning is done (somatic cell nuclear transfer)
Dolly the sheep
Human cloning
The process of Human cloning
Ethical and moral controversies
Advantages and disadvantages
Conclusion
Bibliography
1 ABSTRACT
Human cloning is a controversial and rapidly evolving area of biotechnology that involves
replicating the genetic material of a Human to create a genetically identical Individual. This
investigatory project explores the scientific principles behind cloning, namely the process of
somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), its theorized applications, and ethical and moral dilemmas
surrounding it. While cloning offers possibilities for advancements in medicine, such as organ
regeneration and treatment of genetic diseases, it also raises profound moral, ethical, and societal
concerns. The project aims to provide a well-balanced analysis of the feasibility, challenges, and
consequences of human cloning, seeking to understand its potential impact on humanity.

2 INTRODUCTION TO CLONING
The word “Clone” means, “Identical”, identical in all aspects. In biological point of view,
two or more organisms are said to be clones of each other if they are morphologically,
anatomically and more important, genetically identical. “Reproductive cloning is defined as the
deliberate production of genetically identical individuals” is how National Center of
Biotechnology Information (NCBI) defines Reproductive cloning or cloning in general. Clones
have identical genome. Since the protein synthesis and metabolism is controlled by an
organism’s genome, clones are identical in all aspects. Cloning is done by nature in many lower-
level organisms like Monerans, Fungi, and in some eukaryotes. Cloning can be clearly observed
during reproduction of these organisms by a process called “binary fission” in which a single cell
grows and divides into two identical daughter cells. They are Clones. This can also be observed
during “multiple fission” in some protozoans like plasmodium.
Technological advancements have made it possible to consider the replication of higher-
order organisms, including humans. The possibility of human cloning was first seriously
explored after the landmark event in 1996 when scientists successfully cloned the first mammal,
a sheep named Dolly, using a technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). This
breakthrough opened the door to discussions about the feasibility of applying similar methods to
human beings.
The process of human cloning, particularly reproductive cloning, involves transferring the
nucleus of a somatic cell from the individual to be cloned into an enucleated egg cell. The
resulting embryo is then stimulated to develop into a genetically identical organism. There are
two types of human cloning that scientists are primarily concerned with: reproductive cloning
and therapeutic cloning. Reproductive cloning focuses on creating a cloned individual, while
therapeutic cloning aims at generating tissues or organs for medical use. The potential benefits of
therapeutic cloning, such as growing organs for transplants or understanding genetic diseases, are
vast, but they come with significant ethical concerns, including the status of the cloned embryos
used in the process.
Despite the significant advances in cloning technology, human cloning remains an area
fraught with scientific, ethical, and legal challenges. The success rates for cloning are low, and
the risks of genetic defects and abnormalities in cloned organisms are high. Moreover, human
cloning raises ethical dilemmas about identity, individuality, and the rights of the clone. Many
fear that cloning humans could lead to exploitation, loss of human dignity, and societal
inequality, especially in light of concerns over the misuse of the technology. Governments and
international organizations have implemented strict regulations to curb the practice of human
cloning, especially reproductive cloning, but debates over therapeutic cloning and its medical
potential continue.
This investigatory project delves into the science, potential applications, and ethical
considerations surrounding human cloning. By examining the techniques involved, including
somatic cell nuclear transfer, and exploring real-world scenarios where cloning might be used,
this project aims to present a comprehensive overview of the field. Additionally, the project will
address the concerns posed by religious, philosophical, and legal perspectives, offering a
balanced analysis of the possible future of human cloning.

3 HOW CLONING IS DONE

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a highly specialized cloning technique used in
biotechnology and genetic research, most famously associated with the cloning of Dolly the
sheep in 1996. This process involves the creation of an organism or embryo by transferring the
nucleus of a somatic cell (a non-reproductive cell) into an egg cell (oocyte) that has had its
nucleus removed (enucleated). SCNT can be used for both reproductive and therapeutic
purposes, making it a cornerstone of cloning technology. Below is a detailed overview of the
SCNT process, its applications, challenges, and implications.
1. Process of Reproductive Cloning through SCNT
 Step 1: Selection of the Donor Cell: A somatic cell (non-reproductive cell) is collected
from the organism to be cloned. This cell contains the full genetic material of the donor,
making it the source for the clone’s DNA.
 Step 2: Enucleation of the Egg Cell: An egg cell is taken from a female of the same
species. This egg’s nucleus, which contains its genetic material, is removed, creating an
enucleated egg cell. This step ensures that the only DNA used in the cloning process
comes from the donor's somatic cell.
 Step 3: Nuclear Transfer: The nucleus of the donor’s somatic cell is inserted into the
enucleated egg cell. The egg cell, now containing the donor’s DNA, is reprogrammed by
 the cytoplasm of the egg to behave as a fertilized egg, starting the process of embryonic
development.
 Step 4: Activation and Development: The egg cell, now containing the donor's nucleus,
is chemically or electrically stimulated to begin dividing and developing into an embryo.
The resulting embryo is genetically identical to the donor organism.
 Step 5: Implantation in Surrogate Mother: The developing embryo is then implanted
into the uterus of a surrogate mother, where it can continue to develop until birth. The
offspring born from this process is a clone, genetically identical to the organism from
which the original somatic cell was taken.

4 APPLICATIONS OF SCNT
General Applications of SCNT:
 Therapeutic Cloning: In therapeutic cloning, SCNT is used to create stem cells for
medical treatments. The embryo created through SCNT is not implanted in a womb but is
instead used to extract embryonic stem cells. These stem cells are pluripotent, meaning
they can differentiate into any type of cell in the body. Therapeutic cloning holds the
potential for regenerating damaged tissues or organs, treating diseases like Parkinson’s,
and conducting research into genetic conditions. It offers the possibility of creating
patient-specific cells that the immune system would not reject, addressing a significant
hurdle in organ transplantation.
 Conservation and Agriculture: SCNT is also used in the conservation of endangered
species by cloning individuals to increase population numbers. In agriculture, cloning
livestock with desirable traits (e.g., increased milk production or disease resistance) can
improve breeding programs. Cloned animals can serve as an exact genetic copy of a high-
yield or resilient organism, aiding in the optimization of food resources.
Application of SCNT in Reproductive Cloning:
 Preservation of Endangered Species: SCNT holds great potential in the field of
conservation biology. Endangered or even extinct species can be cloned using this
technology if viable somatic cells are available. By creating genetically identical copies
of animals that are at risk of extinction, SCNT can increase population sizes, maintaining
genetic diversity and helping with species survival. For example, in 2020, scientists
cloned an endangered black-footed ferret using SCNT, marking a significant step in
conservation efforts.
 Revival of Extinct Species (De-extinction): SCNT offers theoretical possibilities for the
revival of extinct species, a concept known as de-extinction. By using preserved tissues
of extinct species, scientists can potentially clone these organisms if a closely related
species is available as a surrogate. While this has not yet been achieved on a large scale,
 there is significant interest in the revival of species such as the woolly mammoth using
SCNT combined with genetic editing techniques.
 Biomedical Research: Reproductive cloning using SCNT can create genetically identical
animal models, which are invaluable for scientific research. Cloned animals provide
consistent genetic backgrounds for studying diseases, testing medical treatments, and
understanding genetic disorders. For example, cloning can help create populations of
genetically identical mice or other laboratory animals, which minimizes variables in
experiments, leading to more accurate research results in areas such as cancer research,
stem cell therapies, and pharmacology.
Now that we got a brief overview on Somatic Cell Nuclear transfer (SCNT). We can look
into the first successful case of Mammal cloning done by scientists, Dolly the first sheep to be
cloned.

5 DOLLY: THE FIRST CLONE

Dolly was cloned at the Roslin Institute by a team of researchers led by Dr. Ian Wilmut, Dr.
Keith Campbell, and their colleagues in Roslin Institute in Scotland. Contrary to popular belief,
she was not the first animal to be cloned, Rather the first Mammal to be cloned. The goal of the
project was to explore whether specialized adult cells (somatic cells) could be "reprogrammed"
to create a new organism. This process involved the transfer of the nucleus from an adult cell
into an enucleated egg cell, and Dolly’s birth was the first successful outcome of this
groundbreaking approach. The successful cloning of Dolly led to widespread advancements
within stem cell research, including the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells.

6 HUMAN CLONING
Scientists have managed to clone a number of animals like sheep, cow, mice etc. But, their dream
of cloning a human remained unfulfilled. There have been many attempts of cloning a human. It
has become more of an ethical and social issue rather than a scientific advancement. Many
scientists claimed that they have cloned a human. In 2004, a South-Korean scientist and his team
claimed that they have successfully cloned 11 human embryos for the purpose of extracting stem
cells; later it was confirmed that it was a false statement. Scientists say that is in fact possible to
clone a human by using the famous SCNT.
A cell, which contains DNA, is taken from the person who is being cloned. Then the enucleated
egg is fused together with the cloning subject's cell using electricity. This creates an embryo,
which is implanted into a surrogate mother through invitro-fertilization. If the procedure is
successful, then the surrogate mother will give birth to a baby that's a clone of the cloning subject
at the end of a normal gestation period. Success rate is estimated to be about 2%.
7 THE PROCESS OF HUMAN CLONING
Though we have already seen how SCNT is done, once again we will see how it is done in case
of Human Cloning:
1. Firstly, you have to get an unfertilized human egg. Scientists get them from the egg banks
where the eggs are stored safely in an extremely cold environment, perhaps about -196 degree
Celsius.
2. The next step is to obtain any body cell other that the reproductive cells from the individual to
be cloned. These cells are called Somatic cells. They are preferably obtained from soft tissues of
the body where the cells are active and young.
3. After getting the somatic cell, the next step is to extract its nucleus carefully. After the nucleus
is extracted, the remaining part of the cell is thrown away and the nucleus is kept safe for the
following process.
4. Now we take the egg again and extract its nucleus. This time, we throw the nucleus away and
keep the hollow cell with us. Only the enucleated cell is going to be part of the process.
5. Now we have all the raw material for the cloning process. In this step, the nucleus extracted
from the somatic cell is carefully injected into the enucleated egg. This looks like a brand-new
cell. But the process will be incomplete without the next step.
6. To make the cell actually work, the cell has to be activated by using an electric spark. Then the
nucleus fuses with the cell and forms a kind of pseudo zygote. This is the last step of the human
cloning. Since we have produced a zygote, the rest of the process follows the regular steps like
embryogenesis etc.
Further development of the zygote needs it to be implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother.

8 ETHICAL AND MORAL CONTROVERSIES

Reproductive Cloning, Human cloning in particular, has been a matter of controversy since the
beginning of the project. The main concerns to the public were as follows,
1. Concerns About Identity and Individuality
One of the most significant ethical issues with human reproductive cloning is the potential
impact on personal identity and individuality. A human clone would be genetically identical to
another person, raising complex questions about what it means to be a unique individual. Many
fear that cloning could undermine the sense of individuality that is fundamental to human dignity
and identity.
 Genetic Determinism: Critics argue that cloning might lead to the mistaken belief that
an individual’s personality and potential are entirely determined by their genetics. This
could reduce human beings to mere copies or "products" rather than recognizing their
capacity for free will, personal growth, and unique experiences.
 Psychological Impact on the Clone: There is concern about the psychological impact on
a cloned individual. Being a genetic copy of another person could lead to identity issues,
and the clone may struggle with questions about their purpose or how society perceives
them. They might feel pressured to live up to the achievements or expectations associated
with their genetic predecessor.
2. Ethical Concerns Regarding Human Dignity and Exploitation
Human cloning raises serious concerns about human dignity and the potential for exploitation.
There is a fear that cloning could lead to the commodification of human life, where individuals
are created and valued not for who they are but for their biological traits or utility.
 Designer Babies and Eugenics: If cloning technology were used to produce "designer
babies" with specific physical, intellectual, or emotional traits, it could pave the way for
eugenics, where certain traits are considered more desirable than others. This could lead
to a society where genetic inequality is normalized, exacerbating social divides and
leading to discrimination based on genetic "perfection." This also might possibly
 Cloning for Organ Harvesting: Another concern is that cloning might be exploited for
unethical purposes, such as creating clones for organ harvesting. The idea of creating a
human being solely to use their body parts is a gross violation of human dignity and
raises deep moral questions about the value of human life. Clones could be seen as mere
biological resources rather than fully autonomous individuals with rights.
3. Health and Safety Risks
The biological challenges and health risks associated with cloning add another layer of ethical
complexity. Studies of cloned animals, including Dolly the sheep, have shown that cloned
organisms often suffer from premature aging, genetic abnormalities, and increased
susceptibility to disease. These issues raise concerns about whether it is morally justifiable to
attempt cloning in humans, given the potential risks.
 High Failure Rate: Cloning experiments, particularly in animals, have had high failure
rates. Many embryos fail to develop, or the resulting offspring have significant health
issues. In humans, such failures could lead to serious physical suffering for clones,
including birth defects or early death. These risks make it difficult to ethically justify
human reproductive cloning at this stage of scientific development.
  The Moral Status of Embryos: In therapeutic cloning, human embryos are created
specifically for medical research or for harvesting stem cells. Some people believe that
human embryos, even at the earliest stages of development, have moral value and should
not be created or destroyed for research purposes. The destruction of embryos for stem
cell extraction is seen by some as a violation of human rights, even if the purpose is to
treat life-threatening diseases.
4. Impact on Family and Social Structures
Cloning would challenge traditional concepts of family and parenthood, creating complex social
and psychological issues.
 Unusual Family Relationships: In reproductive cloning, the genetic material for the
clone comes from a single individual, rather than two parents. This could lead to
complicated family dynamics, as the clone might be seen as both a child and a twin of the
genetic donor. The traditional roles of parents, children, and siblings would be disrupted,
leading to social and emotional complications within families.
 Inheritance and Legal Status: The legal and social status of a human clone could also
present significant challenges. For example, would a clone have the same inheritance
rights as other children? How would society define the relationship between the genetic
donor and the clone? These legal uncertainties create further moral questions about how
clones would be treated under the law.
5. Religious and Philosophical Objections
Many religious and philosophical traditions argue that human cloning is inherently unethical
because it interferes with the natural process of reproduction or the divine will.
 Interference with Nature or God’s Will: Some religious groups believe that human
cloning is an unnatural intervention in the process of human creation. They argue that
cloning could be seen as "playing God" by artificially creating life. For them,
reproduction should involve a union of two parents, not a scientific process that replicates
life in a laboratory.
 The Sanctity of Human Life: Many religious and ethical frameworks emphasize the
sanctity of human life from conception. Cloning, particularly therapeutic cloning, which
involves creating and destroying embryos, is seen as undermining the inherent value of
human life. Even if the intention is to advance medical research, the use of embryos
raises fundamental moral questions about when human life begins and whether it is ever
acceptable to destroy it for scientific purposes.
The ethical and moral controversies surrounding human cloning are complex and multifaceted,
involving questions about individual identity, human dignity, exploitation, health risks, social
structures, and religious values. While cloning holds promise for medical advancements,
particularly in therapeutic cloning, the moral implications of both reproductive and therapeutic
cloning continue to generate intense debate. As science progresses, society must carefully
consider these ethical concerns to balance the potential benefits of cloning technologies with
respect for human rights and dignity.

Advantages of Human Cloning

1. Medical Advancements and Therapeutic Cloning
o Organ and Tissue Regeneration: One of the most promising aspects of human
cloning, particularly through therapeutic cloning, is the potential for
regenerating organs and tissues. Scientists could clone a patient’s cells to create
genetically compatible tissues or organs, reducing the risk of rejection in
transplant surgeries.
o Treatment for Genetic Disorders: Human cloning could offer new ways to treat
or eliminate genetic disorders. By cloning healthy cells and tissues, it may be
possible to replace damaged or defective ones, providing potential cures for
diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.
o Personalized Medicine: Cloning technologies could help develop personalized
medical treatments by creating cloned cells or tissues that match the patient's
genetic makeup, leading to more effective and tailored therapies.
2. Infertility Solutions
o Reproductive Cloning for Infertile Couples: Human reproductive cloning could
provide a solution for couples struggling with infertility. By cloning one partner's
DNA, it might be possible to produce a genetically related child even in cases
where other assisted reproductive technologies (like IVF) have failed.
o Preservation of Genetic Lineage: Cloning could allow individuals who cannot
have children due to medical conditions to pass on their genetic material,
preserving their genetic lineage.
3. Scientific and Biological Research
o Understanding Human Development: Human cloning could offer scientists new
insights into the processes of human development and genetic diseases. By
studying cloned embryos, researchers might better understand congenital
disorders and how certain genetic traits are expressed.
o Stem Cell Research: Cloning technology, particularly Somatic Cell Nuclear
Transfer (SCNT), plays a crucial role in advancing stem cell research, which
 has the potential to revolutionize medicine by repairing damaged tissues and
treating degenerative conditions.
Disadvantages of Human Cloning
1. Ethical and Moral Concerns
o Loss of Individuality: One of the primary ethical concerns with reproductive
cloning is the potential for loss of individuality. A clone would be genetically
identical to another human being, raising questions about personal identity,
autonomy, and the concept of "uniqueness."
o Human Rights Violations: Some fear that human clones could be seen as lesser
individuals or commodified for their biological traits. There are concerns that
clones could be exploited for specific purposes, such as organ harvesting or
scientific experimentation, violating their rights as human beings.
o Playing God: Many religious and philosophical groups argue that cloning
interferes with the natural process of human reproduction or divine will. Some
believe cloning could lead to unintended consequences by artificially creating life,
crossing moral boundaries.
2. Health Risks and Uncertainty
o Premature Aging and Genetic Abnormalities: Cloning research in animals,
such as Dolly the sheep, has shown that cloned organisms often face premature
aging and genetic defects. These risks raise concerns about the health of cloned
humans, including shortened lifespans, developmental abnormalities, and
increased susceptibility to diseases.
o High Failure Rate: Cloning has a notoriously high failure rate. In animal
experiments, a large number of attempts are often required to produce a single
viable clone, with most embryos failing to develop properly. This makes human
cloning risky, both for the cloned individual and for potential surrogate mothers.
3. Social and Psychological Impacts
o Psychological Stress on the Clone: Human clones might face unique
psychological challenges related to their origins. Being a genetic copy of another
person could lead to identity crises, societal stigma, or the perception that they
are not a "real" individual. The clone may feel pressure to live up to the
achievements or expectations of the original person they were cloned from.
o Complications in Family Relationships: Cloning could disrupt traditional family
structures, as the genetic relationship between a clone and their "parent" or
"sibling" would differ from that of a naturally conceived child. This could create
complex family dynamics and emotional stress within families, complicating
roles like parenthood and sibling relationships.
 4. Societal Implications and Exploitation
o Eugenics and Designer Babies: Cloning technology could be misused to create
"designer babies" with specific genetic traits, leading to concerns about a future
where genetic engineering could create social inequality. Cloning for desirable
traits, such as intelligence, physical appearance, or athleticism, could exacerbate
existing divides between the rich and the poor, creating a society where certain
genetic profiles are deemed superior.
o Ethical Dilemmas in Therapeutic Cloning: Therapeutic cloning involves the
destruction of cloned embryos to extract stem cells, which raises ethical concerns
about the moral status of embryos. Critics argue that creating and destroying
human embryos for research purposes could lead to the commodification of
human life, even if the aim is to treat diseases.
Human cloning presents both remarkable opportunities and profound ethical challenges. On the
one hand, cloning holds the promise of revolutionary medical advancements, especially in
regenerative medicine, stem cell research, and infertility treatments. On the other hand, it raises
serious concerns about human rights, individual identity, health risks, and the potential for social
exploitation. The future of human cloning will depend on balancing scientific progress with
ethical responsibility, ensuring that any use of cloning technologies respects human dignity and
safeguards against unintended consequences.

9 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this investigatory project on human cloning underscores both the immense
scientific potential and the profound ethical challenges that this technology presents. The ability
to create genetically identical humans through cloning, particularly using Somatic Cell Nuclear
Transfer (SCNT), could revolutionize fields such as medicine, offering groundbreaking
opportunities in areas like regenerative medicine, organ transplantation, and the treatment of
genetic disorders. Therapeutic cloning, for instance, has the potential to generate patient-
specific stem cells, providing new treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and
diabetes, while minimizing the risks of immune rejection.
However, the project also highlights significant ethical dilemmas and societal concerns,
particularly surrounding reproductive cloning. Creating human clones raises difficult questions
about individuality, identity, and human dignity, as the cloned individual may face unique
psychological and social challenges. The potential for exploitation, such as cloning for specific
traits or organ harvesting, presents serious moral risks. Furthermore, the high failure rates and
health risks associated with cloning experiments, as evidenced in animals like Dolly the sheep,
call into question the safety and feasibility of cloning in humans. The disruption of traditional
family structures, and the fear of reducing human beings to "products" or "designer babies," adds
further complexity to the debate.
Religious, philosophical, and social objections also loom large, with many arguing that cloning
interferes with the natural order or divine will, and may lead to unintended consequences such as
eugenics or genetic inequality. The creation and destruction of embryos in therapeutic cloning
raises ethical concerns about the moral status of embryos, even when the intent is to save lives or
advance medical research. These concerns highlight the need for society to approach cloning
technologies with caution and a deep sense of moral responsibility.
As we move forward, the future of human cloning will depend on finding a delicate balance
between scientific progress and ethical considerations. It is essential that strict guidelines and
regulations are put in place to ensure that cloning technologies are used responsibly, respecting
human rights, and preserving the dignity of individuals. Ongoing dialogue between scientists,
ethicists, policymakers, and society at large will be critical in ensuring that the potential benefits
of human cloning are realized without compromising the core values that define our humanity.