Science Booster- Gene editing tool CRISPR-cas 9 and emerging new world

Gene editing tool CRISPR-cas 9 and emerging new world

Vast number of patients suffering from lifelong incurable diseases such  as Sickle cell disease , Cystic fibrosis  or Haemophilia and many more are at the threshold for a complete reversal of the disease and  in near future  shall influence favourably the treatment of  poorly treated cancer , heart diseases and  even mental illness .

The newly acquired genome editing tool which can cut copy and paste the diseased genes with a healthy counterpart very effectively. This is known as CRISPR cas 9 , a Genetic editing tool ,short for Clustered Regularly Interspersed  Short  Palindromic Repeats  and associated protein 9 ,discovered by  two brilliant lady scientists CARPENTIER  & DUODNA, which brought them the coveted Nobel prize for chemistry 2020.

CRISPR cas 9 system consists of two key Molecules that introduce a change or alter the strand of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)   within a genome (chemical basis of inheritance).

  1. There is cas 9 enzyme, a nuclease protein which acts just like a molecular scissor.  It cuts the strands of double stranded DNA at a specific location at both ends so that a segment of desired DNA can be removed
  2. A ‘guide ‘ RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)  a pre designed segment of about 20 bases long  ,  is located within a longer RNA scaffold. This scaffold binds to DNA to which it is complementary and this pre designated sequence guides CAS 9  to the specific part of the genome where  it cleaves the DNA at specific location with perfect 100 %  precision .

By doing so this combination of CAS 9 and guide RNA knockdown the diseased DNA within a genome following which either the cut ends join and produce a changed unstable DNA or another appropriate DNA made out of suitable complementary RNA is inserted to rectify the defective genome and bridge the gap .

The idea of CRISPR CAS 9 system is the result of understanding the Bacteriophage system. Bacteriophage is a Virus which attacks the bacteria and in the process allows a part of its viral genes in the form of DNA to be attached to the bacterial nucleus. When challenged by the virus again they take help of their inherent CRISPR cas 9 system makes a guide RNA copy of the previous viral genome DNA and cleaves the corresponding invading viral genome with the help of CAS 9 Just like a scissor.

Such exercise of cutting the  parts of genes and replacing it with other  sets of healthy desired genes can be either of embryonic cells ( sperm or ova  in humans ) or of somatic cells ( derived cells which compose different body parts such as heart or lung etc ).  The changes brought in somatic nucleus will be limited for only that person or organism but changes created in embryonic nucleus will make changes for successive generations of cells also and therefore it may open a pandora’s box of scientific and ethical possibilities which can produce demon or God  with the help of this  genetic tool of immense importance .

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CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that has the potential to revolutionize medicine and agriculture. It works by cutting DNA at specific locations, allowing scientists to insert, delete, or modify genes. This technology has already been used to cure genetic diseases in animals, and it is being developed for use in humans.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a relatively simple system. It consists of two parts: a guide RNA and an enzyme called Cas9. The guide RNA is a short piece of RNA that matches a specific sequence of DNA. When Cas9 encounters the matching sequence, it cuts the DNA. This cut can then be repaired by the cell’s own DNA repair mechanisms, or it can be used to insert or delete genes.

CRISPR-Cas9 has a number of advantages over other gene-editing tools. It is relatively easy to use, and it can be used to edit DNA in any cell type. It is also very precise, which means that it can be used to make targeted changes to DNA without affecting other genes.

CRISPR-Cas9 has already been used to make significant advances in medicine. For example, it has been used to cure mice of a genetic disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is also being developed for use in treating cancer. In agriculture, CRISPR-Cas9 is being used to develop crops that are resistant to pests and diseases.

However, CRISPR-Cas9 also raises a number of ethical concerns. One concern is that it could be used to create designer babies. Another concern is that it could be used to create biological weapons. It is important to have a public discussion about the ethical implications of CRISPR-Cas9 before it is widely used.

Despite the ethical concerns, CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful tool that has the potential to improve human Health and well-being. It is important to use this technology responsibly and to ensure that it is used for the benefit of all.

The future of CRISPR-Cas9 is very promising. This technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and other fields. It is important to continue to develop this technology responsibly and to ensure that it is used for the benefit of all.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that can be used to make precise changes to DNA. It has the potential to revolutionize medicine and agriculture, but it also raises ethical concerns.

Here are some frequently asked questions about CRISPR-Cas9:

  • What is CRISPR-Cas9?
    CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that can be used to make precise changes to DNA. It is a type of “molecular scissors” that can be used to cut DNA at specific locations. This allows scientists to insert, delete, or modify genes.

  • How does CRISPR-Cas9 work?
    CRISPR-Cas9 works by using a guide RNA to find the specific DNA sequence that needs to be edited. The guide RNA attaches to the DNA sequence, and the Cas9 protein cuts the DNA at that location. This allows scientists to insert, delete, or modify genes.

  • What are the benefits of CRISPR-Cas9?
    CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to revolutionize medicine and agriculture. It can be used to develop new treatments for diseases, such as cancer and HIV. It can also be used to improve crops and Livestock.

  • What are the risks of CRISPR-Cas9?
    CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful tool, but it also raises ethical concerns. Some people worry that it could be used to create “designer babies” or to modify human DNA in ways that could have unintended consequences.

  • What is the future of CRISPR-Cas9?
    CRISPR-Cas9 is a rapidly developing field, and it is difficult to predict what the future holds. However, it is clear that CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to change the world in profound ways.

Here are some short answers to frequently asked questions about the emerging new world:

  • What is the emerging new world?
    The emerging new world is a world that is being shaped by new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and gene editing. These technologies are creating new opportunities and challenges, and they are changing the way we live, work, and interact with each other.

  • What are the benefits of the emerging new world?
    The emerging new world has the potential to improve our lives in many ways. For example, new technologies can help us to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as Climate change and POVERTY. They can also help us to create new products and Services that can improve our Quality Of Life.

  • What are the risks of the emerging new world?
    The emerging new world also poses some risks. For example, new technologies could be used to create new weapons or to invade our privacy. They could also lead to job losses and economic inequality.

  • What is the future of the emerging new world?
    The future of the emerging new world is uncertain. It is possible that these technologies will lead to a better world for everyone. However, it is also possible that they will lead to a world that is more divided and unequal. It is up to us to decide how we want to use these technologies and to shape the future of the world.

  1. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene editing tool that can be used to make precise changes to DNA. It is based on a natural system that bacteria use to defend themselves against viruses.
  2. CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to edit the genomes of Plants, animals, and even humans. It has the potential to treat or cure genetic diseases, and to improve crops and livestock.
  3. However, CRISPR-Cas9 also raises ethical concerns. Some people worry that it could be used to create designer babies or to alter HUMAN EVOLUTION.
  4. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of CRISPR-Cas9 before using it.

Here are some MCQs about CRISPR-Cas9:

  1. What is CRISPR-Cas9?
    (a) A gene editing tool
    (b) A natural system that bacteria use to defend themselves against viruses
    (c) Both (a) and (b)

  2. What are some of the potential benefits of CRISPR-Cas9?
    (a) Treating or curing genetic diseases
    (b) Improving crops and livestock
    (c) Both (a) and (b)

  3. What are some of the potential risks of CRISPR-Cas9?
    (a) Creating designer babies
    (b) Altering human evolution
    (c) Both (a) and (b)

  4. What is the ethical dilemma surrounding CRISPR-Cas9?
    (a) The potential to create designer babies
    (b) The potential to alter human evolution
    (c) Both (a) and (b)

  5. What should be done to address the ethical dilemma surrounding CRISPR-Cas9?
    (a) More research is needed to understand the potential risks and benefits of CRISPR-Cas9.
    (b) Regulations should be put in place to govern the use of CRISPR-Cas9.
    (c) Both (a) and (b)