Harumi

I'm doing research topic in Theory of Knowledge between science and ethics. I've chosen cloning and stem cell research as my topic, and as a result, I've received conflicting facts that I would really like to get a confirmation on, as well as a RELIABLE source (internet this time please) to confirm the facts.

1) Are identical twins genetically identical?

I know this sounds stupid, but I received opposing viewpoints from Times magazine and the Princeton Review, both which I consider to be reliable resources. Can anyone confirm this question?

2) Identical genotype does not necessarily guarantee identical phenotype.

I knew about this in middle school, but I would like some confirmation.

3) How far are we to building artificial wombs?

This is important, because at the moment it is necessary to use surrogate mothers, which would make the fear of an army of clones moot because it would be far profitable to brainwash a couple of kids (or gullible theists ) rather than waste billions on clones and surrogate mothers.

4) What is the process involved in cloning. Is it in any way similar to the formation of identical twins?

Just these questions, and thanks so much if any of you decide to help me.

Demosthenes

1) Although identical twins are in general identical to eachother, there are minute differences due to environment and lifestyle.

2)Yes, varying concentrations of chemicals during the gestation can led to differing expression of the genotypes at different times resulting in different phenotypes( this is sofar as I understand it, anybody correct me if I'm wrong )

3) I'm not sure, the last time I heard about aritificial womb research was that they've managed to keep several months old calves alive for some time, but they're still a while from fully functional artificial womb capable to bringing a human fully to term from a zygote.

4) The process involving adult cell cloning is very different from the process of forming identical twins. Identical twins are formed when the cell cluster splits into two or more clusters which in turn develop into distinct human beings. Cloning on the other hand involves manipulating the nucleus of a cell to be cloned and implanting the nucleus into an egg which is then shocked to jump start to process and so on et cetera. Two very different ways of getting identical twins.

tronvillain

1) Are identical twins genetically identical?

Yes, identical twins are genetically identical, though there will be a small number of mutational differences (increasing over time).

2) Identical genotype does not necessarily guarantee identical phenotype.

True, as the environment in which a genotype find itself affects development.

3) How far are we to building artificial wombs?

I am not aware of any significnt progress in that area, though I think it would be a great thing. Still, even if they existed it would still require countless billions and years to clone an "army."

4) What is the process involved in cloning. Is it in any way similar to the formation of identical twins?

It generally involves removing the nucleus of a fertilized egg and replacing it with a nucleus from the organism you wish to clone - it is extremely crude. If you simply wish to clone a fertilized egg, that is another matter, similar to the formation of identical twins.