What is cloning?

Cloning refers to the process of creating copies of biological entities, which can include cells, organisms, or even DNA sequences. In the context of cloning, the emphasis is on generating genetically identical replicas of an organism or biological material. This can be achieved through various methods, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer, a technique commonly associated with animal cloning.

The other options do not accurately define cloning. Creating genetic mutations involves altering the genetic makeup of an organism, which is a different process altogether and not focused on duplication. Producing living organisms via natural reproduction refers to the biological processes of reproduction, such as sexual or asexual reproduction, which result in the formation of new organisms, but do not involve the precise duplication characteristic of cloning. Cutting DNA segments is related to molecular biology techniques but does not encompass the concept of making copies or clones of organisms. Therefore, the definition of cloning is best captured by the act of copying biological entities.