How is cloning different from natural reproduction?

Cloning differs from natural reproduction as it produces genetically identical organisms without sexual reproduction.

In natural reproduction, two parents contribute genetic material to produce offspring that are genetically different from both parents. This process involves the fusion of male and female gametes (sperm and egg cells) during fertilisation. Each gamete contributes half of the genetic material, resulting in a unique combination of genes in the offspring. This genetic variation is a key feature of natural reproduction and contributes to the diversity of life.

Cloning, on the other hand, is a form of asexual reproduction that produces organisms that are genetically identical to the parent organism. This is achieved by creating an exact genetic copy of a single parent organism. There are different types of cloning, including reproductive cloning, therapeutic cloning, and molecular cloning. Reproductive cloning, for example, involves transferring the nucleus from a donor adult cell to an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed. This egg is then implanted into a surrogate mother, resulting in an organism that is genetically identical to the donor organism.

In contrast to natural reproduction, cloning does not involve the fusion of gametes and does not result in genetic variation. Instead, it produces a population of genetically identical individuals. This lack of genetic variation can be a disadvantage, as it may reduce the ability of a population to adapt to changing environmental conditions. However, cloning also has potential benefits, such as the production of genetically identical organisms for research or conservation purposes.

In summary, while natural reproduction involves the fusion of gametes from two parents to produce genetically unique offspring, cloning involves the production of genetically identical organisms from a single parent organism.