The Promise of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
(SCNT)
(Also Known as Therapeutic Cloning)
FAST FACTS
- SCNT, also known as therapeutic cloning, is a form of
scientific research that could lead to cures and treatments for
serious, chronic diseases affecting 100 million Americans.
- SCNT is NOT reproductive cloning.
- SCNT is endorsed by the National Academy of Sciences.
- SCNT is supported by a majority of the American
public
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)
What Is at Stake?
Nearly 100 million Americans
suffer from cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, Parkinson's, spinal cord
injuries, heart disease, ALS, and other devastating conditions for
which treatments must still be found. Somatic cell nuclear transfer
(SCNT), also known as therapeutic cloning, could hold the key to
ending these patients' suffering.
What is Cloning?
Cloning is the creation of
multiple copies of a single molecule, cell, or virus. There are many
different kinds of cloning, most of which are now commonplace in
science. Cloning has allowed scientists to develop powerful new
drugs and to produce insulin and useful bacteria in the lab. It also
allows researchers to track the origins of biological weapons, catch
criminals and free innocent people, and produce new plants and
livestock to feed an undernourished world population.
What is SCNT?
SCNT involves removing the nucleus
of an unfertilized egg cell, replacing it with the material from the
nucleus of a "somatic cell" (a skin, heart, or nerve cell, for
example), and stimulating this cell to begin dividing. Once the cell
begins dividing, stem cells can be extracted 5-6 days later and used
for research.
How is SCNT Different from Reproductive
Cloning?
The aim of reproductive cloning is to create
human beings by cloning human embryos. The National Academy of
Sciences recommends a legally enforceable ban on all forms of this
type of cloning.