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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>71344</law_id><section_number>32.1-162.21</section_number><catch_line>Definitions</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>58.1-3506</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="32.1">Health</unit><unit label="chapter" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="5.2">Human Cloning</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires another meaning:
		&#x201C;Cloning&#x201D; means the production of a precise genetic copy of a molecule, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), or of chromosomes.
		&#x201C;<span class="dictionary">Human cloning</span>&#x201D; means the creation of or attempt to create a human being by transferring the <span class="dictionary">nucleus</span> from a human cell from whatever source into an <span class="dictionary">oocyte</span> from which the <span class="dictionary">nucleus</span> has been removed.
		&#x201C;<span class="dictionary">Nucleus</span>&#x201D; means the cell structure that houses the chromosomes and, thus, the genes.
		&#x201C;<span class="dictionary">Oocyte</span>&#x201D; means the ovum or egg.
		&#x201C;Somatic cell&#x201D; means a mature, diploid cell, i.e., a cell having a complete set of chromosomes.
		&#x201C;<span class="dictionary">Somatic cell nuclear transfer</span>&#x201D; means transferring the <span class="dictionary">nucleus</span> of a somatic cell of an existing or deceased human into an <span class="dictionary">oocyte</span> from which the chromosomes are removed or rendered inert.</p></section></text><history>2001, cc. 868, 870.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
