Understanding CRISPR: A New Frontier in Genetic Engineering

At its core, CRISPR technology is derived from a natural defense mechanism found in bacteria and archaea. These microorganisms use CRISPR sequences to thwart attacks by viruses and other foreign entities. In this process, the CRISPR system captures snippets of DNA from invaders, which it then uses to recognize and combat the invaders if they attack again. In laboratory settings, scientists harness this mechanism by designing a small piece of RNA with a matching sequence to the target DNA in a genome. This guide RNA is then combined with a Cas9 protein. The RNA guides Cas9 to the desired spot in the DNA strand, where the Cas9 enzyme precisely snips the DNA. This allows scientists to alter the genetic code — either by adding, removing, or replacing DNA sequences. <a href="https://digitaledge41.medium.com/understanding-crispr-a-new-frontier-in-genetic-engineering-f3c760bbc5e0">Visit Now</a>