Q20.3-2CC. A few companies in China and Sou... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 20: Q20.3-2CC. (page 431)

A few companies in China and South Korea provide the service of cloning dogs, using stem cells from their clients鈥� pets to provide nuclei in procedures like that in Figure 20.17. Should their clients expect the clone to look identical to their original pet? Why or why not? What ethical questions does this bring up?

Short Answer

Expert verified

No, the clones look different from the original pet.

The difference might arise from the environmental difference between where the pet lived and where the clone was developed.

The ethical question that arises is what the fate of a dog would be if it is defective.

Step by step solution

Stem cells

Stem cells are unspecialized cells, and thus, they do not have specific functions. However, these cells tend to develop into all the different types of the body. Stem cells divide to form progenitor cells and other stem cells.

The progenitor cells differentiate and develop into different cell types based on external factors.

Difference in the appearance of the clone and the original pet

The clients expect the clones to look like their original pet as they provide stem cells of their pet to develop clones. However, the clones look different from their pet. The changes in appearance are caused by environmental differences.

The environment in which the dogs live is different from the environment where the clones develop. The environment can lead to heritable alterations in the gene expression and functioning of the cells.

As a result, clones appear different from the parent.

Killing a life is unethical

In cloning procedures, hundreds of clones are produced. However, only some of these develop into an adult. If any such clones grow into defective dogs, then such dogs would be killed. However, dogs are mammals, and it is unethical to kill a living organism.