CRISPR
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a revolutionary gene editing technique that allows scientists to precisely alter DNA sequences within cells. It was discovered in 1987 but gained international attention in the early 2010s due to its potent and versatile applications in various fields such as agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology.
About
It was discovered in 1987 but gained international attention in the early 2010s due to its potent and versatile applications in various fields such as agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. The CRISPR system consists of two major components: the Cas9 enzyme, which acts as molecular scissors to cut DNA, and a guide RNA molecule, which directs the Cas9 to the desired target sequence. This technology has provided researchers with a powerful tool to study gene functions, develop disease models, and potentially treat genetic disorders. However, the ethical and societal implications of CRISPR, particularly in the area of human germline editing, have sparked intense debates. Despite the challenges and controversies, CRISPR continues to impact scientific endeavors and holds vast potential for the future of genetic research.