Clone

Definition

A genetically identical copy of an organism, cell, or DNA sequence produced asexually from a single ancestor. In arthropods, clones arise naturally through parthenogenesis (as in aphids and some stick insects), gynogenesis, or artificial laboratory techniques such as somatic cell nuclear transfer. Clonal lineages may persist across generations, producing populations with zero heterozygosity and limited genetic diversity, which influences their evolutionary potential and ecological resilience.

Etymology

From Greek klōn, 'twig, slip,' referring to vegetative propagation in plants; extended to animals in 20th-century genetics.

Example

Aphids (Aphididae) produce clonal daughters via parthenogenesis through much of the growing season; a single founding female can generate a colony of thousands of genetically identical individuals until sexual reproduction resumes in autumn.

Synonyms

• ramet
• genetic duplicate
• isogenic line

Related Terms

• Parthenogenesis
• asexual reproduction
• Genotype
• heterozygosity
• Founder effect
• apomixis
• isogenic colony

Usage Notes

Distinguish 'clone' (genetic identity) from 'colony' (spatial grouping that may be genetically diverse). In molecular biology, 'clone' also denotes a recombinant DNA molecule propagated in a vector; this usage overlaps with but differs from organism-level cloning. Some specialists reserve 'clone' for artificial production and use 'genet' or 'ramet' for natural clonal organisms, though usage varies by field.