What significant event in genetics occurred in 1997 involving a sheep?

• A. The first genetic mapping
• B. The cloning of Dolly
• C. The discovery of DNA structure
• D. The first genetically modified plant

Answer: (B)

The significant event in genetics that occurred in 1997 involving a sheep was the cloning of Dolly. This landmark achievement marked the first successful cloning of a mammal from an adult somatic cell, rather than from embryonic cells. The process used to create Dolly was called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), where the nucleus of a somatic cell was inserted into an enucleated egg cell. This pioneering experiment not only demonstrated that it was possible to clone a complex organism but also raised numerous ethical, scientific, and philosophical questions about cloning and the potential for genetic engineering.

The implications of Dolly's cloning extended far beyond sheep; it opened the doors for advancements in regenerative medicine, the study of genetic diseases, and the potential for cloning other mammals, including humans. This event significantly shifted the focus of genetic research and public interest towards the possibilities and challenges of cloning technologies.