2006-10-22 04:27:48 · 5 answers · asked by mark b 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
this question is about whether true memory of experience can be transferred via dna the same way as very complex behaviourial 'instincts'. On a previous question exploring this hypothesis I was given a link to epigenetics which is mind boggling in concept (wikipedia) but there doesn't seem to be experimental proof...
2006-10-22 07:25:25 · update #1
As far as I know, no one has cloned parrots, but no memory would be retained. In cloning an animal, DNA is taken from the donor animal and is then injected into an egg cell with it's original DNA removed. The cell is then 'kick started' to develop in the normal way. So the only thing inherited from the 'parent' or donor animal is DNA. If you think about it, you have inherited half your DNA from your father and half from your mother (ignoring mitochondrial DNA which will be soley from your mother), but you do not share their memory or remember events as if you were them. It would be the same principle.
2006-10-22 05:55:34 · answer #1 · answered by cheetara_2001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a scientist, but surely DNA is the genetic make-up of a being i.e. the physical characteristics (which can in turn impact upon brain function), but true memory (as opposed to instinct) is a function of the electrical and chemical state of the cells in the brain.
Thus cloning an animal may create a brain which is the same shape, but not in the same electro-chemical state.
Just my thoughts on the topic!
2006-10-23 01:34:24 · answer #2 · answered by Chris W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parrots must be able to inherit memory ;
they all say "Polly wants a cracker..."
2006-10-22 07:28:21 · answer #3 · answered by A Teesside Smart**** 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought this had already been established in the movie, "The Island." ;-)
I'm not recommending the movie... it was very slow.
Aloha
2006-10-22 04:32:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am,but i cannot remember.
2006-10-22 04:31:21 · answer #5 · answered by Piztaker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋