How identical would cloned children be? An understanding essential to the ethical debate.
The ban on human cloning in many countries worldwide is founded on an assumption that cloned children will be identical to each other and to their nuclear donor. This paper explores the scientific basis for this assumption, considering both the principles and practice of cloning in animals and comparing genetic and epigenetic variation in potential human clones with that in monozygotic twins.
Edwards
R G
RG
Human Reproduction Journals, Moor Barns Farm, Coton, Cambridge, UK.
Beard
H K
HK
D000818:Animals; D001675:Bioethics; D002453:Cell Cycle; D019976:Cloning, Organism; D003582:Cytogenetics; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D006801:Humans; D053652:Nuclear Transfer Techniques; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic