How is stem cell research linked to reproductive cloning?

Question

Note: i am simply just asking this for informational purposes, and i am not asking what peoples opinions are on stem cell research. i am researching stem cell research and studying arguments for it an against it. one argument against it states that it is similar to reproductive cloning. what makes it similair and what makes that a reason to be against stem cell research? any info will help me.

Answer 1

Stem cell research requires cloning.  Scientists want to create stem cell lineages that have certain known genetic combinations in order to study known diseases.  Often how they do this is by somatic nuclear transfer where they take an egg cell, remove its nucleus, and put the nucleus of another cell inside it.  They then induce the egg to start dividing and, voila, you get a stem cell line.  The cells that are produced are clones of the cell you took the nucleus from - they have the exact same DNA.

Reproductive cloning is when someone actual produces a whole organism through this process.  They implant the egg with its cloned DNA into the uterus of a female and allow it to develop.  

Stem cell research does not create a new organism.  It doesn't involve the implantation of the egg.  But, some people are afraid that the temptation is too great. If you have these cloned egg cells, then won't people start implanting them?

I hope that clears it up.