Cloning is the creation of an organism that is an exact genetic copy of another. There are a couple of ways to make an exact genetic copy of an organism: artificial embryo twinning and somatic cell nuclear transfer. Artificial embryo twinning is the relatively low-tech version of cloning and it mimics the natural process of creating identical twins. Somatic cell nuclear transfer, (SCNT) uses a different approach than artificial embryo twinning, but it produces the same result: an exact clone, or genetic copy, of an individual. What are the steps in SCNT? Order these steps so you can complete your own cloning project. A. Stimulate cell division B. Deliver baby C. Remove and discard the nucleus from the egg cell D. Isolate donor cells from egg donor and germ cell donor E. Transfer the somatic cell nucleus into the egg cell F. Implant embryo into a surrogate mother

Answer: The correct order is

D. Isolate donor cells from egg donor and germ cell donor

C. Remove and discard the nucleus from the egg cell

E. Transfer the somatic cell nucleus into the egg cell

A. Stimulate cell division

F. Implant embryo into a surrogate mother

B. Deliver baby

Explanation: SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer) is a technique used to transfer the nucleus of a somatic (body) cell to the cytoplasm of an enucleated egg (an egg whose nucleus has been removed).

The steps involved in SCNT are:

1) Preparation and extraction of the somatic cell: This step involves preparation and extraction of somatic (body) cell from any part of the body but preferably the skin.

2). Enucleation: This step involves the removal of the egg's nucleus.

3). Nuclear transfer: This involves the transfer of the somatic cell nucleus into the enucleated egg.

4). Egg incubation: It involves the incubation of the egg in a medium that stimulates cell division and conducive for embryonic development. Once the somatic cell nucleus is transfer into the egg, the cytoplasmic factors of the egg reprogramme somatic cell nucleus to become a nucleus of a zygote (fertilized egg). The zygote then develops to the blastocyst stage.

5). Embryogenesis: This involves the implantation of the blastocyst into the surrogate mother who carries the developing embryo.

6). The surrogate mother carries the developing embryo like a normal pregnancy and delivers the baby when it is due.