Therapeutic cloning

Therapeutic cloning is a scientific technique aimed at creating cells or tissues for medical purposes. Here's a simplified explanation:

1. **Cell Extraction:** Scientists take an egg cell and remove its nucleus, leaving it empty.

2. **Donor Cell Collection:** A somatic cell (e.g., skin cell) is collected from the patient seeking treatment.

3. **Nuclear Transfer:** The nucleus of the patient's somatic cell is inserted into the emptied egg cell, creating a reconstructed cell.

4. **Stimulation of Division:** Through chemical or electrical means, the reconstructed cell is prompted to start dividing and forming an early-stage embryo.

5. **Cell Development:** As the embryo develops, it contains cells that are genetically identical to the patient's, and these cells can potentially differentiate into specific tissues or organs needed for treatment.

6. **Harvesting Target Cells:** Scientists harvest the desired cells or tissues from the developing embryo, which can then be used for medical purposes like replacing damaged tissues or treating certain diseases.

It's important to note that therapeutic cloning is distinct from reproductive cloning, as the goal is to generate tissues for medical use rather than creating a whole organism.