CRISPR-cas9 technology

 CRISPR-cas9 is a unique technique that enables the geneticists and medical researchers to edit parts of genome by removing ,adding or altering the sections of DNA sequence . CRISPR-cas9 was adapted from a naturally occurring method in bacteria used to protect themselves from infectious viruses. The bacteria captures a small pieces of DNA from invading virus and use them to create duplicate DNA sequence known as CRISPR array. If virus attack again the bacteria produces guide RNA segments from CRISPR array to target the viral genome than uses cas9 enzyme to cut the viral DNA, which disables the virus.Cas9 is a nuclease that helps to cut the DNA. It is done in similar way in laboratory. Let us consider a person who has genetic disorder caused by gene mutation. In the lab scientists create a strand of guide RNA that matches the mutated DNA sequence ,cas9 is added to the guide RNA. It is injected to the person , injected guide RNA identify mutated DNA sequence. Cas9 enzyme helps to cut the mutated DNA

sequence. Scientists inserts a healthy DNA sequence to replace the mutated DNA sequence. CRISPR-cas9 technique has the technique to alter genes and treat diseases. It is also used in food and agriculture to produce genetically modified plants. Scientists are in the process of developing CRISPR babies so that they can avoid the genetic disorder in the foetus so that the baby can grow into a healthy adult. One of the challenge of using CRISPR -cas9 technique is that cas9 enzyme may cut the wrong DNA sequence which may cause the error. 

-Drishya D R