[Frank Sheed]

Even if they could find a source of DNA left by our Savior, there would be an insoluble problem.

The male seed transmits a pro nucleus that fuses with that of the female ovum to create a diploid organism containing male and female genetic material. If we assume that this was a miracle and contained both Mary's DNA (ovum) and "material" that was given in the Incarnation, it leaves one problem. The "power packs" in cells, mitochondria, derive totally from the mother. Every one of your mitochondria trace back to your mother. Thus, in all these cloning scenarios, the person would never be a precise duplicate because the mother's mitochondrial DNA was present in the ovum and these are found in every cell of the resulting offspring.

The ova used to create these "clones" have different ova. To make an exact duplicate, one would need Mary's mitochondrial DNA. That would require a trip to heaven as she was Assumed bodily into heaven.

Let's call it the Catholic "fail safe."

;-o)
Frank

[Aquinasfan]

Thus, in all these cloning scenarios, the person would never be a precise duplicate because the mother's mitochondrial DNA was present in the ovum and these are found in every cell of the resulting offspring. The ova used to create these "clones" have different ova. To make an exact duplicate, one would need Mary's mitochondrial DNA. That would require a trip to heaven as she was Assumed bodily into heaven. Let's call it the Catholic "fail safe."

Cool! Thanks.

But then again, suppose that someone claims to find Mary's body.