Should We Clone Essays - Cloning, Genetics, Biotechnology

Should We Clone Should We Clone Cloning is a scientific process that has miraculous potential to better humans and other species alike: however, the resounding negative repercussions far outweigh these potential benefits. Cloning is biologically defined as the construction of a special chromosome by somatic cell fusion, cytogenetic manipulation, or organelle introduction into cells by means of genetic microsurgery. (Funk & Wagnall?s, 1) This process has been completed successfully although the accuracy, precision, and consistency are lacking. Even isolated experimentation of cloning on living species is dangerous. Anytime the natural rhythms of human life are disrupted in such a momentous manner, disastrous outcomes are bound to unfold. Cloning is an extremely powerful tool that carries extreme burdens, and, in order to properly convey this message, it is necessary to explain the techniques, history, ethics, and reasons of cloning. Before continuing with processes or history, it is vital to understand two things: what cloning is and what is a clone. Cloning, in its simplest term, is the technique of producing a genetically identical duplicate of an organism. A clone is any descendant derived asexually form a single individual, as by cuttings, bulbs, fission, mitosis, or parthenogenesis reproduction. (Hoffman 78) There are clones that develop naturally everywhere you look. Bacteria, algae, unicellular organisms, fungi, invertebrates, and plants are all examples of clones. Even human beings clone in rare instances, in the form of what we call identical twins. The history of cloning stretches much farther back than most people think. The first attempts at cloning have been documented back to the beginning of this century. Adolph Edward Driesch was the first scientist to experiment with this process. He was able to divide the egg of a sea urchin by shaking it in a test tube, which separated the egg, turning it into two dwarf sea urchins. Though Dreisch was able to conduct a simple cloning, he was never able to explain his findings and eventually gave up and switched his area of study to philosophy. In 1952, Robert Briggs and Thomas J* King, who were scientists in Philadelphia, were the first to implant a nucleus into an egg cell, using the nuclei of Leopard Frogs? eggs. Unfortunately the procedure was unsuccessful, but in the early 1970?s Dr. John. Gurden successfully transferred the frog nuclei and was able to develop the frog?s eggs into tadpoles. Scientists announced in 1981 that they had transplanted mouse nuclei of embryos into mouse eggs: however, these findings were deemed fabricated after several other scientists tried and were unsuccessful. Other than the two findings described, few other experiments during this time period were successful, or even conducted. Most scientists of the late seventies and early eighties had determined cloning of embryonic mammal cells to be impossible. These views were drastically changed in 1984 when Dr. Steene Willadson reported successfully transferring nuclei from a sheep embryo to produce clones. Following this success, Dr. Willadson went on to successfully clone cow and monkey embryos in the same manner. Developing upon Dr. Willadson?s findings, in 1994 Dr. Neal First developed cows by nuclear transfer from much more developed embryos that had ever been previously used. His next historical feat was cloning and producing Megan and Morag, the first cloned sheep from embryo cells. Chances are, the first thought that enters an individuals mind when discussing cloning is Dolly, the sheep that made headlines all over the world in 1997. Obviously, this was not the first cloning to ever take place, but what was momentous about Dolly was that they had cloned a mammal from an adult cell. Dr. Ian Wilmut and Dr. Keith Campbell did this, both embryologists in Edinburgh, Scotland. The two were able to clone dolly by placing the mammary cell of a sheep into an egg, then transplanting the developed embryo of the egg into a ewe, which acted as a surrogate mother. Six months later, on July 4, Dolly was born weighing fourteen pounds and perfectly healthy. This single event has been the foundation of debates for the last two years on the practicality, dangers, and ethics of scientifically cloning living species. Having discussed the history and techniques of cloning, it is important to discover the uses cloning has on living species.

Boston Massacre- Analysis of Accounts essays

Boston Massacre- Analysis of Accounts essays Little is known about the events of March fifth, 1770 at the front of the Boston Commons House. The end results and a few accounts give an overview of what occurred, but the details of this tragic day are uncertain. All that is confidently known is that a British sentry struck an offensive boy leading to a gathering of protesting Bostonians. The sentry called for reinforcements and the situation escalated to the point that a soldier fired a single shot, soon followed by the shots of his fellows. Five Bostonians died, six were wounded, and the officer and his soldiers got off with minor punishments. Though little is known for certain, through a study of the testimonies of Captain Preston and witnesses for the prosecution and defense, the events of the Boston Massacre can be reconstructed. Prestons testimony begins with the gathering mob, as that was when he arrived on the scene. He claims that the mob was taunting, threatening, and assaulting the soldiers with sticks and snowballs. He also claims that he did not give the order to fire, and reports that his soldiers heard the crowd yelling fire and mistook that as an order from him. All of this is corroborated in testimony for both the defense and prosecution. However, other portions of his testimony are not supported. He reports that the mob advanced to the points of the bayonets, and made a general attack upon the soldiers with clubs and snowballs. Though some of the prosecutions witnesss testimony is likely false, truths may be obtained as well. Hinkley, Wyatt, and Burdick all admit that snowballs and at least one stick were thrown at the soldiers from a distance before the first shot was fired, while only Fosdick denies it. Because of this it is reasonable to assume that Fosdick was either lying or in an unsuitable position to give accurate testimony. Hinkley, Cunningham, and Bliss all report that they did no...

Personal assessment for management skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal assessment for management skills - Essay Example Falling in this quartile range did not surprise me. This is because I am well aware of the leadership skills which I possess and I plan to enhance my capabilities and motivate the staff working for me. 2. The key areas in which I scored the highest were motivating others and building teams to promote team work. These areas are my strengths, and I will acquire significant success in the hearts of my subordinates if I work harder to enhance these skills in a more significant manner. The areas where I have scored less, and I need to grow are creative problem solving and gaining power and influences over the employees are the areas which require work. 3. My scores of assessment and the assessment of my colleagues regarding my performance as a manager were nearly in line. There were a few minor contradictions, but most of the skills I was assessed for by my colleagues were rated on a higher scale. This has motivated to improve my performance in the areas for which I gave myself a lower score. I rated rational problem solving on a lower scale comparatively, but my colleagues have given me a higher score for that too. In other areas, I have been given a higher score by my colleagues where I rated myself comparatively lower. 4. The assessments of my colleagues have contradicted in the area of rational problem solving. I have rated this segment as weak in my assessment, but my colleagues have rated me on a higher scale. In all other areas, the assessment which I have made, and my colleagues have made are nearly the same. These scores show that my own assessment and the assessment of my colleagues are accurate and in line with my actual skills. This will help me further improve myself, and it will help me enhance my skills for my future performance. 5. This exercise was immensely useful for me. It helped me in analyzing my skills and gave me the view point of what others think about my efforts. The score which I gave myself was lesser as compared to what my