SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer)

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a technique where the nucleus, which contains genetic material, is taken from a mature somatic (body) cell and inserted into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed. The egg is then stimulated to develop as if it were fertilized, prompting it to grow into an embryo. This process effectively creates an organism genetically identical to the donor of the somatic cell. SCNT is used in cloning research and for producing model organisms for scientific study.