Animal Cloning

The creation of genetically identical organisms, referred to as cloning has propelled researchers to attempt to clone several organisms from microbes to plants to animals. The creation of Dolly, the first cloned mammal, a sheep where an adult cell was used to produce an offspring instead of an embryo that develops into an organism ushered in a race to clone several other animals. The scope of animal cloning includes the production of genetically engineered organisms that have specific desired traits, the principles of molecular pharming where cloned animals produce therapeutics in their products, xenotransplantation, pharmacological testing, medical uses like study of diseases and potential cures, to name a few. Certain attempts are on to revive extinct animals. (Remember Jurassic Park?) This book covers principles and tools involved in animal cloning along with various animals that have been cloned and their potentials in biotechnology. The book shall also include various ethical issues associated with this field and summarize the work done in cloning. Threaders must note that these issues and regulations have been quoted verbatim so that the meaning conveyed does not change.