Understanding CRISPR

 CRISPR allows for genes to be edited: this is referred to as gene editing. Gene editing grants the ability to alter the targeted genetic material by adding, subtracting, or changing the genetic sequence. There are a few different techniques that allow for gene editing; however, CRISPR has proved cheaper, faster, more effective and accurate.

CRISPR in bacteria-

CRISPR is an acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. These occur in the DNA of bacterium referred to as CRISPR. CRISPR works hand in hand with your immune system. CRISPR is able to copy invading viruses DNA, and record it. 

Looking at the sequence of colored squares (which I will refer to as spacers) separated by diamonds shows us the layout of how this information is stored. The black triangles are the short repeats and the spacers are the copied DNA segment from the invading virus. These spacers are 'genetic memory' as Harvard journal describes and 'mediates immunity'. This plays a major role in your immune system; if the virus is detected again the now transcribed RNA is able to recall the strand of harmful virus DNA and eliminate it. This allows the targeted segment to then be cut by protein 9 (Cas-9), thus disabling the virus. (Diagram shown above). All of this is a natural occurrence within your cells. Research and trials have led to a few adjustments for targeting certain traits within the DNA of your cells. 

Altercations - 

RNA can be made to target certain segments of desired DNA. The newly created RNA binds to the recognized area where Cas 9 then cuts the segment. At this point we are able to return the process to the cells editing system where it can then change the genome.

Please do not hesitate to comment questions if you have them. 

Bibliography 

says:, Paul Harvey, et al. “CRISPR: A Game-Changing Genetic Engineering Technique.” Science in the News, 31 July 2014, sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2014/crispr-a-game-changing-genetic-engineering-technique/.

“What Are Genome Editing and CRISPR-Cas9?: MedlinePlus Genetics.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Sept. 2020, medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/genomicresearch/genomeediting/.

-Annabelle