MadSci Network: Genetics |
Hi Jade. In answer to your question, we need to figure out what exactly a clone actually is. Basically, a clone is simply another human being that has the EXACT same DNA as another person. So, in reality, there are lots of clones actually walking around in the world today. Every set of identical twins are actually clones. Identical twins happen when a fertilized egg in the mother splits before it starts to develop. This means that identical twins actually have the exact same DNA as each other. Maybe you've met some identical twins before. If so, you probably know that they look almost alike except for things like clothes and hair and whatnot. (This is why they were first called identical twins.) However, you probably also know that they are not alike in many ways. They have different personalities, they have different types of things that they are each good at, and they've learned different things in their lives. So, while they may look alike, identical twins (clones), certainly don't share things like experiences, memories, or languages. The same thing would hold true for any clone that were made from somebody that spoke french. Being a clone just means that you have the same DNA. DNA does NOT determine what memories you have, or what things you may have learned. If this were true, then we would be born knowning everything that both of our parents know. (And we all know that doesn't happen.) So, while a clone may look like you, and have some of your basic mental abilities, they would still need to learn everything in life just the same way as anyone else in this world does. -Josh
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Genetics.