CRISPR Flashcard

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What is CRISPR?

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CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a technology that allows for precise editing of DNA in organisms.

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What is the function of the Cas9 protein in CRISPR?

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The Cas9 protein acts as a molecular scissors that cuts DNA at a specific location.

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What is the role of guide RNA in CRISPR?

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Guide RNA ensures that the Cas9 enzyme cuts at the right point in the genome.

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How does guide RNA locate the target DNA sequence?

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Guide RNA is complementary to the target DNA sequence, allowing it to bind specifically.

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What is the difference between gene editing and genetic modification?

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Gene editing involves making precise changes to an organism's DNA, while genetic modification can involve moving DNA from one organism to another.

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What is a PAM sequence in CRISPR?

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A PAM (Protospacer Adjacent Motif) is a short DNA sequence that is required for Cas9 to bind and cut the target DNA.

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What are the potential applications of CRISPR technology?

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CRISPR technology can be used in medicine, agriculture, and biological research for gene therapy, crop improvement, and studying gene functions.

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What are some ethical concerns associated with CRISPR?

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Ethical concerns include the potential for unintended consequences, germline editing, and the implications of 'designer' organisms.

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How does CRISPR differ from traditional genetic engineering methods?

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CRISPR allows for more precise, efficient, and versatile editing of genes compared to traditional methods.

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What is the significance of Dr. Jennifer Doudna in CRISPR research?

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Dr. Jennifer Doudna is one of the co-inventors of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology.