What process results in the creation of a genetically identical organism from a single cell?

Cloning is the process that results in the creation of a genetically identical organism from a single cell. This technique involves creating a replica of an organism’s genetic material to produce a new individual that shares the same DNA as the original. A well-known method of cloning is somatic cell nuclear transfer, where the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred into an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed. This process allows for the development of a new organism that is genetically identical to the donor organism from which the somatic cell was taken.

In contrast, selective breeding involves choosing specific organisms with desirable traits to reproduce, thereby enhancing certain characteristics over generations, but does not produce an exact genetic replica. Gene therapy refers to techniques aimed at correcting defective genes responsible for disease development and does not involve creating a new organism. Hybridization is the process of combining different traits from two different species or varieties to create a new organism, which results in genetic diversity rather than an exact clone.