The Ethical and Theological Implications of Human Cloning...

The Ethical and Theological Implications of Human Cloning Introduction Advances in science and technology have often caused revolutionary changes in the way society views the world. When computers were first invented, they were used to calculate ballistics tables; today they perform a myriad of functions unimagined at their conception. Space travel changed the way mankind viewed itself in terms of a larger context, the universe. In 1978, the first test tube baby was born in England making it apparent for the first time that babies could be conceived outside a mother’s womb. Each of these events caused much commotion, and each advance has presented society with new challenges; however, no scientific area has been more debated†¦show more content†¦In this way, cloning has changed the potentials for reproduction; males could potentially not be required in the creation of children. It is important to note, however, that cloning of a human has yet to be accomplished. While it would be naive to say that it will never be done, so far this problem of biotechnology has been left undone. The Process of Cloning Before any discussion about cloning can be started, it is necessary to explain, albeit in a simplified version, the scientific process that cloning entails.* Every cell in any given organism contains exactly the same genetic material or DNA. Each human DNA is composed of two pairs of twenty-three chromosomes. In the process of natural reproduction, when an egg and sperm are joined, they fuse to form a single cell called a zygote that has a new genetic makeup--the sperm and the egg each contributing one set of chromosomes. Thus, the genetic material found in an embryo is a combination of the DNA from the mother and the father. When this initial new cell is formed, certain proteins give the signal that it is time for the zygote to divide and produce exact replicas of itself. From the single cell stage, this division occurs in a doubling manner so that in a matter of hours there are eight cells present. Until this eight-cell stage occurs, cells are all the same. After that point, however, different cells begin toShow MoreRelatedGenetic Engineering : Medical Perfection Or Playing God1280 Words   |  6 PagesThesis Statement â€Å"Genetic engineering differs from cloning in key ways. Whereas cloning produces genetically exact copies of organisms, genetic engineering refers to processes in which scientists manipulate genes to create purposefully different versions of organisms—and, in some cases, entirely new living things†, duplication of genetic cells is known as human cloning. Development of genetic engineering biotechnologies undermines the natural autonomy of life. Does genetic engineering interfereRead MoreThe Ethical Implications Of Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy1399 Words   |  6 Pagesresearch. 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