Cloning vs. Duplicate — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Cloning is the process of creating an identical genetic copy of an organism, whereas duplicating often refers to copying non-biological items like documents or data.
Difference Between Cloning and Duplicate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cloning involves replicating the genetic material of an organism to create a new organism with the same genetic sequence. On the other hand, duplicating generally pertains to making copies of items such as documents, files, or objects, where the exactness of the genetic makeup is not concerned.
Biological cloning is significant in genetics and medicine for research and potential therapy, while duplication is a fundamental activity in various fields like information technology, business, and academia to ensure data redundancy and preservation.
Cloning can raise ethical and biological concerns, especially regarding biodiversity and the implications of genetic uniformity. Conversely, duplication is often seen as practically beneficial and less ethically complex, used to safeguard information and provide backups.
Cloning processes are complex, requiring sophisticated biological and technological interventions, whereas duplication can often be accomplished with simple mechanical or digital copying techniques.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Creating a genetic replica of an organism.
Making a copy of non-biological items.
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Primary Use
Genetics, medicine, research.
Information technology, business, academia.
Concerns
Ethical, biodiversity, genetic defects.
Data accuracy, storage costs, redundancy.
Complexity
High, requires sophisticated technology.
Low to moderate, simpler processes.
Outcome
Genetically identical organisms.
Copies of documents, data files, or objects.
Compare with Definitions
Cloning
Can help preserve endangered species through genetic replication.
Cloning techniques are considered for saving endangered animals.
Duplicate
To make an exact copy of something, typically non-biological.
He duplicated the file to have a backup.
Cloning
Involves complex procedures like somatic cell nuclear transfer.
Cloning often utilizes advanced techniques like SCNT.
Duplicate
Does not involve genetic materials or ethical dilemmas.
Duplicating a key document involves straightforward copying.
Cloning
The process of creating a genetically identical copy of an original organism.
Scientists succeeded in cloning a sheep named Dolly.
Duplicate
Involves processes like printing, photocopying, or digital copying.
The report was duplicated for all board members.
Cloning
Used in science to replicate genetic material for research.
Cloning of genes is common in genetic engineering.
Duplicate
Common in digital contexts for creating data copies.
Duplicating important documents ensures data is not lost.
Cloning
Raises important ethical issues, including concerns about biodiversity.
The cloning of animals has sparked a major ethical debate.
Duplicate
Often used to prevent data loss by maintaining copies.
Regular duplication of files is a key IT strategy.
Cloning
A group of cells or organisms that are descended from and genetically identical to a single progenitor, such as a bacterial colony whose members arose from a single original cell.
Duplicate
Identically copied from an original.
Cloning
A DNA sequence, such as a gene, that is transferred from one organism to another and replicated by genetic engineering techniques.
Duplicate
Existing or growing in two corresponding parts; double.
Cloning
One that copies or closely resembles another, as in appearance or function
"filled with business-school clones in gray and blue suits" (Michael M. Thomas).
Duplicate
Denoting a manner of play in cards in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end
Duplicate bridge.
Cloning
To make multiple identical copies of (a DNA sequence).
Duplicate
An identical copy; a facsimile.
Cloning
To create or propagate (an organism) from a clone cell
Clone a sheep.
Duplicate
One that corresponds exactly to another, especially an original.
Cloning
To produce a copy of; imitate closely
"The look has been cloned into cliché" (Cathleen McGuigan).
Duplicate
(Games) A card game in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end.
Cloning
To grow as a clone.
Duplicate
To make an exact copy of.
Cloning
Present participle of clone
Duplicate
To make twofold; double.
Cloning
The production of an exact copy of an object.
Duplicate
To make or perform again; repeat
A hard feat to duplicate.
Cloning
(biology) The production of a cloned embryo by transplanting the nucleus of a somatic cell into an ovum.
Duplicate
To become duplicate.
Cloning
A general term for the research activity that creates a copy of some biological entity (a gene or organism or cell)
Duplicate
Being the same as another; identical, often having been copied from an original.
This is a duplicate entry.
Duplicate
(games) In which the hands of cards, tiles, etc. are preserved between rounds to be played again by other players.
Duplicate whist
Duplicate Scrabble
Duplicate
(transitive) To make a copy of.
If we duplicate the information, are we really accomplishing much?
Can you duplicate this kind of key?
Duplicate
(transitive) To do repeatedly; to do again.
You don't need to duplicate my efforts.
Duplicate
(transitive) To produce something equal to.
He found it hard to duplicate the skills of his wife.
Duplicate
One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy.
This is a duplicate, but a very good replica.
Duplicate
(legal) An original instrument repeated; a document which is the same as another in all essential particulars, and differing from a mere copy in having all the validity of an original
Duplicate
A pawnbroker's ticket, which must be shown when redeeming a pledged item.
Duplicate
(uncountable) The game of duplicate bridge.
Duplicate
(uncountable) The game of duplicate Scrabble.
Duplicate
A biological specimen that was gathered alongside another specimen and represents the same species.
Duplicate
Double; twofold.
Duplicate
That which exactly resembles or corresponds to something else; another, correspondent to the first; hence, a copy; a transcript; a counterpart.
I send a duplicate both of it and my last dispatch.
Duplicate
An original instrument repeated; a document which is the same as another in all essential particulars, and differing from a mere copy in having all the validity of an original.
Duplicate
To double; to fold; to render double.
Duplicate
To make a duplicate of (something); to make a copy or transcript of.
Duplicate
To divide into two by natural growth or spontaneous action; as, infusoria duplicate themselves.
Duplicate
Something additional of the same kind;
He always carried extras in case of an emergency
Duplicate
A copy that corresponds to an original exactly;
He made a duplicate for the files
Duplicate
Make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick
Duplicate
Duplicate or match;
The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse
Duplicate
Make a duplicate or duplicates of;
Could you please duplicate this letter for me?
Duplicate
Increase twofold;
The population doubled within 50 years
Duplicate
Identically copied from an original;
A duplicate key
Duplicate
Being two identical
Common Curiosities
What is the purpose of cloning?
Cloning is used for research, preserving genetic traits, and potential medical therapies.
What does duplicating typically involve?
Duplicating usually involves making copies of items like documents, digital files, or keys.
Are cloning and duplicating used interchangeably?
No, cloning refers specifically to creating a genetic copy of an organism, while duplicating refers to copying non-biological materials.
What are the ethical concerns with cloning?
Ethical concerns with cloning include issues of identity, biodiversity, and the potential for genetic abnormalities.
How does duplication benefit data management?
Duplication helps in data management by ensuring that there are backup copies, protecting against data loss.
What are common methods of duplicating documents?
Common methods include photocopying, scanning, and digital backup systems.
Is cloning considered safe?
Cloning, while having potential benefits, raises concerns about the long-term health and viability of cloned organisms.
What technologies are used in cloning?
Technologies used in cloning include somatic cell nuclear transfer and recombinant DNA technology.
Can cloning lead to new medical treatments?
Yes, cloning technology can potentially lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and genetic diseases.
How does duplication ensure business continuity?
Duplication of critical business data and systems ensures continuity in case of hardware failure or data corruption.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
