CRISPR

CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful gene editing tool that allows scientists to make precise changes to DNA. It can be used to delete, insert, or replace genetic material in living cells.

How it works:

CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. Scientists design a guide RNA (gRNA) that is complementary to a target DNA sequence. The guide RNA directs the Cas9 enzyme to the correct location in the genome. Cas9 then makes a double-stranded cut at that site. The cell attempts to repair the break using either non-homologous end joining (which may introduce mutations) or homology-directed repair (which can insert a specific sequence if a template is provided). 

In some cases, researchers can also design a CRISPR system with a gene drive - a mechanism that ensures the edited gene is inherited more frequently than by normal Mendelian inheritance. Essentially, it causes individuals that are heterozygous to produce CRISPR to edit their own DNA to become homozygous for the desired allele. This allows the genetic change to spread quickly through a population. Gene drives are being studied for applications like controlling invasive species or reducing the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Applications:

• More nutritious food, food that is drought resistant, etc.

• Studying gene function by knocking out or altering genes

• Correcting genetic mutations in medical applications

• Creating animal models of human diseases

• De-extinction 

• Helping endangered or threatened species be immune to problems

• .......SO MUCH