Ten facts to know about controversial human cloning

New Delhi: The simplest explanation of human cloning is the creation of a copy of another human being without involving sexual reproduction using sperms and eggs.Despite a couple of claims, there hasn't been any success in cloning human beings though last year scientists at the Oregon Health and Science University reported they had produced embryonic stem cells from a cloned human embryo.The first cloning of an animal was done in the 1880s by German biologist Hans Driesch who cloned a sea urchin from an embryo cell.While some believe that human cloning tantamounts to tinkering with nature, others swear by its benefits.Here are ten interesting facts to know about human cloning: 1.Human cloning could be a blessing for infertile couples, as reproductive cloning does not involve the fusion of the sex cells.2.Advances in human cloning will help him to replace the defective genes with healthy ones.3.A clone is not an exact copy of the donor of the genetic material, as the mitochondrial DNA does not come from the donor. Also, a human being is quite affected by his experiences and environment and these would always be different for the DNA donor and his clone.4.The clone would not have a biological father and mother as it is the result of asexual reproduction.5.The cloned individual could not be called the sibling, daughter or son of the donor. He/ she would have the relationship of being a clone of the DNA donor.6.Although a clone is formed from cell of an adult, it would start its life as an infant.7.Human cloning is legally banned in many countries.8. It is legal in Great Britain for therapeutic purposes only.9. In 2001, scientists led by Panayiotis Zavos, announced that they would clone a human in two years time.10. It may help in relieving issues associated with cosmetic or plastic surgery.