Cloning refers to which process?

• A. Creating genetic diversity in a population.
• B. Transferring genes between species.
• C. Generating a genetically identical copy of a cell or organism.
• D. Repairing damaged DNA with CRISPR.

Answer: (C)

Cloning is generating a genetically identical copy of a cell or organism. This can happen in two ways: reproductive cloning, where a donor nucleus is used to create a whole organism with the same DNA, and DNA cloning, where a specific DNA fragment is replicated to produce identical copies for study. The hallmark is the replication of the same genetic material, aside from possible differences that come from development or environment. The other ideas describe different concepts: creating genetic diversity, transferring genes between species, or editing genes with CRISPR, none of which constitute cloning.