Human Cloning
Human cloning is the creation of a genetically identical copy of a human being,
human cell, or human tissue. The term is generally used to refer to artificial
human cloning; human clones in the form of identical twins are commonplace,
with their cloning occurring during the natural process of reproduction.
Although genes are recognized as influencing behavior and cognition, "genetically
identical" does not mean altogether identical; identical twins, despite being
natural human clones with near identical DNA, are separate people, with separate
experiences and not altogether overlapping personalities. The relationship
between an "original" and a clone is rather like that between identical triplets
raised apart; they share nearly the entire same DNA, but little of the same
environment.
Human cloning might produce many benefits. Human therapeutic cloning could
provide genetically identical cells for regenerative medicine, and tissues and
organs for transplantation Such cells, tissues, and organs would neither trigger an
immune response nor require the use of immunosuppressive drugs Both basic
research and therapeutic development for serious diseases such as cancer, heart
disease, and diabetes, as well as improvements in burn treatment and
reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, are areas that might benefit from such new
technology.