Biotechnology - Cloning

Biotechnology

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In science, cloning can be defined as a process of producing a similar population which has the identical genetic when organisms produce in asexual. When relating to biotechnology cloning can be defined as a process which is used in creating copies Of DNA fragments or cells. Organism cloning can be defined as the procedure of creating a new multicellular organism. This type of cloning can be defined as asexual reproduction because fertilization does not take place in its occurring natural phenomena(Teich, 2012).

 Human cloning has promoted ethical concern whether the process should be adopted or not. The consequences that come with cloning are many, and if the process does not control, it can lead to a population full of genetic disorder.  Religion has been on the forehead in advocating against cloning due to the perception that reproduction should be left to God alone and the use of technology in promoting cloning has been rejected. There has been a religious divide among the religious people as some claim that this technology has to usurp God's place while others acknowledge that this type of technology has the potential of life-saving benefits.

Other opponents of this cloning technology argue that this process is not yet safe to conduct as it may lead to genetic disorders among a population. Others views that this process may be prone to abuse in that scientist may take advantage of the process and reproduce a generation whose tissues and organs would be harvested. Some argue that cloned individual or population really finds it hard to integrate with the society as they are not considered family(Teich, 2012, p.195).

Some advocates have supported the development and also the use of therapeutically cloning so as to generate tissue as this can be used by the patients who would otherwise not be able to get or obtain a transplant. They also support and advocate for reproduction cloning as they believe this process is important as it helps parents who cannot be able to procreate to become parents through the use of this technology.

Cloning has also caused a danger in the extinction of the endangered species. The reconstruction of functional DNA from the endangered species has been a dream for many countries to ensure that these animals continue and their survival is not at risk.  With many animals near to their extinction especially the endangered species cloning is seen as the only method that can save these populations and ensure that their generation is not extinct. The use of DNA from already deceased animals has provided a  diversity of gene pool where animals can be created and made. Cloning is a guarantee that the process is going to be successful. When animals are endangered, and their reproduction physiology is not well understood, cloning can be difficult to perform. This may lead to the death of animals if the process does not take place (Teich, 2012, p 197).

Cloning of endangered species has been mostly unsuccessful hence leading to the death of many of these species. Furthermore, these cloned animals also after the procedure are success the lifespan is usually short, and some are not able to reproduce to give back to their offspring which could sustain their generation. Many environmentalists have been on the forefront in fighting against cloning of endangered species as they claim that this process may lead to reproduction complications. Hence many have suggested that the way to preserve the end species is by preserving them in their habitat (Teich, 2012, p.190).

Technology has also been applied to ensuring food production.  Technology has been on the forefront in advocating and also implementing measure to ensure a country is food secure. There has been the introduction of mechanisms in agriculture to ensure that food in a country is available and secure. Through technology, we are able nowadays to track, analyze and also understand the way our food system works and by this, we can be able to know if we are on the right track or if we will face food shortage in the near future. Technology has made it possible for many countries to be food secure and reduce their dependency on other countries for food.

GMOs are one of the biotechnologies which have been used to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs).A GMO is something which has been developed and has certain traits such as pest resistance, herbicides resistance and it also increases nutritional value. With the introduction of this many farmers are able to harvest many crops as the challenges they were facing earlier are a thing of the past. Another impact of technology on food production is precision agriculture. Precise agriculture is also called satellite farming, and this refers to the use of GPS tracking system and system imagery so as to monitor crop yields, soil levels and also the weather patterns so as to increase the efficiency. This method is important in framing as it ensures that farmers can predict what will happen to their crops and take appropriate measures in the early stages (Teich, 2012, p.204).