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CRISPR-Cas9: Revolutionizing Gene Editing
Introduction
CRISPR-Cas9 is a groundbreaking gene-editing technology that enables precise,
targeted changes to DNA. Derived from a natural defense mechanism in bacteria,
CRISPR stands for “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.”
Mechanism
Cas9 is an enzyme that acts as molecular scissors, guided by RNA to specific DNA
sequences. Once bound, it cuts the DNA, allowing for insertion, deletion, or
replacement of genetic material.
Applications
Medicine: Correcting genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia.
Agriculture: Engineering pest-resistant or drought-tolerant crops.
Research: Creating gene knockouts to study disease mechanisms.
Ethical Considerations
The potential for human germline editing raises concerns about designer babies,
inequality, and long-term effects. Global guidelines are evolving to address these
issues.