What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?

Correct Answer: Reproductive cloning of animals

Explanation:

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a laboratory strategy in genetics and cell biology for creating a viable embryo from a body cell (somatic cell) and an egg cell (ovum).

The process of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer involves the following steps:

1. The nucleus containing the genetic material (DNA) is removed from a somatic cell (any cell of the body other than a germ cell/gamete).

2. The nucleus of an unfertilized egg cell (ovum) is removed or destroyed (enucleation).

3. The nucleus from the somatic cell is inserted into the enucleated egg cell, or the somatic cell is fused with the egg cell using an electrical current.

4. The newly combined cell is stimulated to divide and develop into a blastocyst/embryo.

5. In reproductive cloning, this embryo is implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother, where it develops into a cloned animal that is genetically identical to the donor of the somatic cell nucleus (a famous example being Dolly the sheep).

Therefore, the primary application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology is the reproductive cloning of animals.