The basic principle of cloning is to make an exact genetic replica of an organism. In the same way that identical twins have the same genetic profile, animal clones are genetically identical to the “parent” animal from which the genetic material is obtained.
The process of animal cloning is called somatic cell nuclear transfer or SCNT. Genetic material is removed from the nucleus of an individual cell, which is then transferred into an egg cell which had its nucleus removed. Under the right conditions, that egg cell can then develop into a new organism – the clone.
For pet clones, the treated egg needs to be transferred into a surrogate female, who will carry and then give birth to the fully developed clone.
I don’t really see any issue with it for this purpose. Granted its a rich persons thing.
Me neither. It kinda makes me wonder if the whole pet thing is just a way to popularize and fund research for arguably better uses of the technology. Not to bring capitalism into it, but definitely bringing capitalism and headline-seeking science into it.
For another perspective:
MIT Review - 1st article free.
Web Archive link
Yeah. I remember there was a thing about doing trials on drugs before people with pets because they live in our same environment encountering the same things.