What is the term for copying a whole organism using reproductive cells?

The term for copying a whole organism using reproductive cells is known as reproductive cloning. This process involves creating a genetically identical copy of an organism, typically through techniques like somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), where the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred into an egg cell from which the nucleus has been removed. This method allows for the development of a complete organism that possesses the same genetic makeup as the donor organism.

Reproductive cloning is distinct from other forms of cloning, such as gene cloning, which focuses on copying specific genes for research or medical purposes; cellular cloning, which may refer to the duplication of specific types of cells in culture; and molecular cloning, which involves cloning DNA fragments into vectors for amplification and study. Each of these methods serves different purposes in genetics and biotechnology, but only reproductive cloning aims to produce an entire organism.