Cloning vs. Duplicate: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Cloning is creating an identical genetic copy of a biological entity, while duplication refers to making an exact copy or replica of an object or data.
Key Differences
Cloning typically refers to the process of creating a genetically identical copy of a biological entity. Duplicate implies creating a copy or replica of an object, document, or digital data, which may not be biologically related.
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In biology, cloning is used to create an organism with the same DNA as the original, like Dolly the sheep. Duplicating, in a broader sense, involves replicating non-biological items, such as documents or software.
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Cloning can occur naturally (like in identical twins) or artificially in labs. Duplicating is a general term used in various contexts, from photocopying a document to replicating a file on a computer.
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The purpose of cloning often involves research, preserving genetic material, or medical therapies. Duplicate is more about creating an additional copy of something for practical reasons like backup or wider distribution.
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While cloning is a specific scientific term with a narrow biological focus, duplicating is a broader term applicable in various scenarios, from everyday tasks to technical processes.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Creating a genetic copy of a biological entity
Making an exact replica or copy of an object or data
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Context
Biological, in labs or nature
Various contexts including digital and physical
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Purpose
Research, genetic preservation, medical therapy
Practical reasons like backup, distribution
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Nature
Specifically genetic and biological
Broad and applicable to various items
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Examples
Cloning a sheep, creating identical twins
Copying a file, duplicating a key
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Cloning and Duplicate Definitions
Cloning
Replicating a living organism's DNA.
Plant cloning is common in agriculture.
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Duplicate
To make an exact copy of something.
He duplicated the document for the meeting.
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Cloning
Reproducing a biological entity with identical DNA.
Scientists succeeded in cloning a genetically identical mouse.
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Duplicate
Reproducing something precisely.
The artist duplicated the painting flawlessly.
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Cloning
Creating an exact genetic replica of an organism.
Cloning endangered species can help in their conservation.
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Duplicate
Creating a replica or equivalent.
She duplicated her grandmother's recipe perfectly.
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Cloning
The process of making an identical biological copy.
Cloning has raised ethical questions in science.
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Cloning
A technique for duplicating genetic material.
Cloning cells is fundamental in genetic research.
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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.
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Cloning
An organism developed asexually from another and genetically identical to it, such as an animal produced from an egg cell into which the nucleus of an adult individual has been transferred.
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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.
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Cloning
A DNA sequence, such as a gene, that is transferred from one organism to another and replicated by genetic engineering techniques.
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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).
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Duplicate
(Games) A card game in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end.
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Cloning
To create or propagate (an organism) from a clone cell
Clone a sheep.
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Cloning
To produce a copy of; imitate closely
"The look has been cloned into cliché" (Cathleen McGuigan).
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Duplicate
Being the same as another; identical, often having been copied from an original.
This is a duplicate entry.
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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
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Cloning
(biology) The production of a cloned embryo by transplanting the nucleus of a somatic cell into an ovum.
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Duplicate
(transitive) To make a copy of.
If we duplicate the information, are we really accomplishing much?
Can you duplicate this kind of key?
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Cloning
A general term for the research activity that creates a copy of some biological entity (a gene or organism or cell)
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Duplicate
(transitive) To do repeatedly; to do again.
You don't need to duplicate my efforts.
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Duplicate
(transitive) To produce something equal to.
He found it hard to duplicate the skills of his wife.
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Duplicate
One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy.
This is a duplicate, but a very good replica.
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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
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Duplicate
A pawnbroker's ticket, which must be shown when redeeming a pledged item.
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Duplicate
A biological specimen that was gathered alongside another specimen and represents the same species.
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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.
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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.
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Duplicate
To make a duplicate of (something); to make a copy or transcript of.
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Duplicate
To divide into two by natural growth or spontaneous action; as, infusoria duplicate themselves.
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Duplicate
Something additional of the same kind;
He always carried extras in case of an emergency
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Duplicate
A copy that corresponds to an original exactly;
He made a duplicate for the files
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Duplicate
Make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick
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Duplicate
Duplicate or match;
The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse
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Duplicate
Make a duplicate or duplicates of;
Could you please duplicate this letter for me?
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Duplicate
Reproducing a physical or digital item.
The machine duplicates keys efficiently.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is duplicating always related to physical objects?
No, it can also refer to digital data.
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What does duplicate mean?
Duplicate means to make an exact copy or replica of something.
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Is cloning a common practice?
It's relatively rare and mostly used in scientific research.
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What is cloning?
Cloning is creating a genetic copy of a biological entity.
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What are the purposes of cloning?
Research, genetic preservation, and medical therapy.
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How is duplication done in digital contexts?
Through copying and replicating files or data.
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What are the limits of duplication?
The quality and accuracy of the replica, and legal constraints.
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Are cloned entities always identical?
They are genetically identical, but environmental factors can cause differences.
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What ethical issues does cloning raise?
Concerns about identity, genetic modification, and the value of individuality.
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Is duplication legal?
It depends on the context, like copyright laws for digital content.
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How has cloning advanced in recent years?
Through improved techniques and a deeper understanding of genetics.
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Can duplication lead to data loss?
Poor duplication processes can result in data loss or corruption.
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What role does cloning play in agriculture?
Cloning plants for crop improvement and consistency.
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Why do we duplicate things?
For practical reasons like backup, distribution, or preservation.
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Can anything be duplicated?
Most physical and digital items can be duplicated.
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Can cloning help in conservation efforts?
Yes, particularly for endangered species.
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How is digital duplication different from traditional copying?
Digital duplication can create exact replicas without physical constraints.
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Does duplication affect the quality of the copy?
It can, especially if the duplication process is flawed.
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Are cloned animals common in farming?
Not widespread, but used in some specialized cases.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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