Another promising usage of cloning is the ability to produce large quantities of animals carrying genetic defects which mimic common human diseases. Although there are questions of ethics to be considered, the general public seems to be in agreement that cloning is in fact acceptable as long as no unnecessary harm is inflicted upon these animals. This will allow scientists to learn how to effectively treat these illnesses by providing opportunities for long term studies and a chance to evaluate individuals responses to treatment. In order to fully comprehend the process of cloning, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the individual genetic components of a single cell. It is this knowledge of genetics and the process of cell respiration that lead to the discovery and development of cloning.
Living cells can only arise from preexisting cells, which then divide to produce new cells.
Growth and development of these cells results from an increased number of cells which become distinguishable as different types of tissues. Reproduction of these cells is accomplished by the fusion of two sex cells or gametes, termed the ovum and sperm. Each of these gametes contain genes which are the determining factors for hereditary characteristics or traits. The structure within the nucleus, the central region of a cell, which is essential in growth, reproduction, and transmission of the characteristics of a cell, that contains these genes are called chromosomes. DNA is the chemical basis of heredity and carrier of genetic information, which provides the codes needed for its own replication.