Cloning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cloning
[ˈkləʊnɪŋ ]
Definitions
science
The process of producing genetically identical individuals of an organism either naturally or artificially. In natural cloning, an organism reproduces asexually, while in artificial cloning, scientists manipulate the process to create identical copies.
Synonyms
copying, duplication, replication.
Examples of usage
- Many plants can reproduce through cloning, creating genetically identical offspring.
- Dolly the sheep was the first mammal to be cloned artificially.
technology
The process of making a copy of data or information, especially in the context of computers and digital technology.
Synonyms
copying, duplicating, reproduction.
Examples of usage
- Regularly backing up your files is a form of cloning your data.
- The cloning of hard drives is a common practice in the IT industry.
informal
To make an exact copy or duplicate of something, especially in a fast or efficient manner.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He cloned his friend's project for the presentation.
- The company quickly cloned the successful features of their competitor's product.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- The first successful animal clone was Dolly the sheep in 1996, created from a single cell of an adult sheep.
- Cloning is used in agriculture to produce genetically identical crops, ensuring desirable traits such as disease resistance.
Ethics
- Cloning raises important ethical questions about identity, individuality, and the implications of creating life.
- Many countries have laws restricting human cloning to address potential moral issues and safety concerns.
Pop Culture
- Cloning is a popular theme in movies and books, often portrayed in science fiction as a way to explore human identity (e.g., 'Blade Runner').
- In video games, cloning is sometimes seen as a method for respawning characters or creating unique versions of heroes.
Technology
- Advancements in cloning technology include CRISPR gene-editing, which allows scientists to modify DNA with high precision.
- Cloning has potential applications in medicine, such as creating tissue for transplants or studying diseases at the cellular level.
Origin of 'cloning'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'cloning' comes from the Greek word 'klon,' meaning a twig or shoot, related to how plants grow.
- The word first appeared in scientific literature in the 1960s, as researchers began exploring how to duplicate cells.
The term 'cloning' originated from the Greek word 'klōn' which means 'twig' or 'slip', referring to a method of vegetative reproduction in horticulture. The concept of cloning has been prevalent in nature for centuries, with organisms like plants and bacteria naturally cloning themselves. The modern scientific understanding of cloning has evolved over time, leading to the controversial but groundbreaking advancements in genetic engineering and artificial cloning techniques.