Recently, I learnt a new word - Parthenogenesis.
I know cloning means reproducing a life without the use of a fertilised egg. No 'male' is involved. How it works: The nucleus of an unfertilised egg is removed. It is then fused with the nucleus of a donor cell (which has DNA and a full set of genetic material). The fused cell develops into an embryo and thence a new life.
Only a few weeks ago I learnt about Parthenogenesis - another reproduction process which does not require fertilisation by males. How it works: A female egg X splits into four cells, three cells were discarded. Another female egg Y splits into four cells, three cells were discarded. The remaining X cell combines with the remaining Y cell, giving rise to offspring which has all the genetic material from the mother.
Only recently I learnt that cloning and Parthenogenesis sometimes take place naturally in nature. Bynoe Gecko is an all-female species which clones themselves. Leiolepis Ngovantrii lizards reproduce by cloning. A boa constrictor (snake) recently gave birth to litters of all-female babies without contact with any male boa. The New Mexico Whiptail reproduces solely through Parthenogenesis. A Hammerhead shark in captivity was observed to reproduce through Pathenogenesis, having no contact with males.
I find all these new discoveries amazing. I know so little. Human beings know so little. SOMEONE must have created all these.
Friday, 24 December 2010
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