What is the process of therapeutic cloning?

Therapeutic cloning, also known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), is the process of producing stem cells that are a genetic match to a patient, for use in therapy. First, the nucleus of a donor egg cell (oocyte) is removed and discarded. Then, the nucleus from a patient's body (somatic) cell is extracted and transferred into the denucleated egg cell. This is then stimulated to divide and cultured for 4-5 days, whereafter stem cells may be removed. These stem cells may also be cultured into specialised cells that can be transplanted into the patient without running the risk of rejection.

Answered by Natalie A. Biology tutor

2627 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the products of digestion of a) proteins, b) fats and c) carbohydrates?


What is a chloroplast?


Why are enzymes called catalysts if they are proteins and not chemicals?


What is the definition of osmosis? How is it different from diffusion?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences