What gene-editing technology, derived from a bacterial immune system and often used with the Cas9 protein, allows for precise changes to DNA sequences?
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CRISPR
CRISPR was originally discovered as a natural defense mechanism bacteria use to 'remember' and slice up the DNA of invading viruses. The Cas9 protein acts like a pair of molecular scissors, allowing scientists to target and edit specific genes with unprecedented accuracy. This breakthrough technology was so revolutionary that its pioneers, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.
Also asked as:
- What gene-editing technology was adapted from an adaptive immune system used by bacteria to slice up the DNA of invading viruses?