Dolly the Sheep: First Mammal Cloned from Adult Cell
July 5th, 1996
July 5th, 1996

How Long Ago?
28 years, 8 months, 10 days ago
Location
Roslin, Scotland
Category
Science & Technology
People
- Ian Wilmut
- Keith Campbell
- Sir John Gurdon
Links & References
Tags
Dolly the Sheep: First Mammal Cloned from Adult Cell
Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, was successfully created by scientists at the Roslin Institute in Scotland. This landmark achievement demonstrated that a differentiated cell could revert to a pluripotent state, allowing it to develop into a new organism. The cloning process involved transferring the nucleus of an adult sheep cell into an egg cell from which the nucleus had been removed. The significant breakthrough was announced publicly, capturing global attention and sparking debates on the ethical implications of cloning.
Dolly was cloned from a 6-year-old sheep.
The technique used is called somatic cell nuclear transfer.
Cloning raised significant ethical and moral questions.
Dolly's birth sparked advancements in genetic research.
What Happened?
Dolly the sheep was born in 1996 as a result of a groundbreaking scientific achievement led by the team at the Roslin Institute, Scotland, which confirmed that it was indeed possible to clone a mammal from an adult cell. The process used in Dolly's creation was known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). This technique involved taking the nucleus from a somatic (non-reproductive) cell of a 6-year-old ewe and implanting it into an enucleated oocyte (egg cell) provided by another sheep. The resulting embryo was then placed into a surrogate mother, leading to the birth of Dolly on July 5, 1996. Dolly's birth was not just an incredible scientific feat but also challenged the long-held belief that differentiated cells could not return to a pluripotent state. This breakthrough raised many questions regarding the potential applications of cloning technology in agriculture, therapeutic cloning, and even human reproductive cloning. Subsequent research highlighted the potential for cloning endangered species, and even bringing back extinct ones, while also providing insights into genetic diseases and organ transplant research. The announcement was met with a mix of excitement and concern. Many scientists lauded it as a major advancement in genetics, yet bioethicists raised alarms about the implications of cloning technology on moral, ethical, and social levels. The implications of duplicating life forms brought forth discussions that would echo throughout society, setting the stage for future debates and regulations in genetic engineering.
Why Does it Matter?
Dolly's creation marked a pivotal moment in the field of genetics and biotechnology, fundamentally changing scientific research paradigms and public perception of cloning. It stimulated advancements in regenerative medicine and genetic research, highlighting both the potential benefits and ethical concerns associated with manipulating life at a cellular level. Dolly's legacy continues to influence discussions around cloning, animal rights, and genetic modification.
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