CRISPR-Cas9 - Gene Editting

Question 1

Why do scientists use CRISPR-Cas9 system?

Answer 1

• Allows for easy and efficient gene editing
• Is one of the cheapest methods of gene editing
• Can be used to accomplish a multitude of purposes

Question 2

How is CRISPR-Cas9 used?

Simplified process

Answer 2

Enables the use of a synthetic guide piece of RNA (synthetic guide RNA - sgRNA) to direct the molecular scissors (Cas9) to target DNA to be cut.

Question 3

What is another name for gRNA in terms of gene editting?

Answer 3

sgRNA (synthetic guide RNA)

Question 4

How is sgRNA created?

Answer 4

Scientists create a complementary RNA sequence about 20 bases long to gene that wants to be cut. It is then presented to the Cas9 protein.

Question 5

Describe some potential outcomes scientists can achieve through Cas9 proteins cutting DNA

Answer 5

• Research cut genes
• ‘Knock out genes’
• Introduce specific mutations
• Edit faulty alleles of genes for people with disease
• Replace faulty parts of gene
• Activate or repress genes
• Add new gene to genome
• Modify organsims to gain characteristics