MINI-ME

The oldest form of cloning is the creation of a mini-me. An embryo is created from a single genetic donor and grown into a baby.  The baby is genetically identical to the donor.  Although this can still be done the old-fashioned way where the embryo is implanted in a surrogate mother, it is most common to allow the baby to develop in an artificial womb. An artificial womb is the safest and cheapest way to produce a mini-me.

Each clone must still go through the same gestation period and developmental processes as a child conceived through ordinary procreation. In fact, without a detailed genetic examination it is difficult (if not impossible) to tell the difference between a naturally conceived baby and a clone.

Provided the clone is given the same nutritional and physical environment as the original donor, it physically develops in exactly the same way as the donor. The two may be completely different in terms of personality and temperament, much the same way as any parent and offspring. The clone may be a physical recreation of a person, but it is not an emotional or intellectual duplicate.