CRISPR: editing a line in the code

A guide, an enzyme and a repair process: the idea in three steps.

Finding the address

In CRISPR-Cas9 systems, guide RNA helps recognize a particular DNA sequence. The Cas9 enzyme cuts at the targeted location.

Repair is part of the edit

Cellular repair follows the cut. Researchers use this process to alter genetic sequences, but reaching a target alone does not establish a safe medical treatment.

A question to explore

When reading an editing headline, ask which cells were targeted and how unintended changes were measured. Follow the source to distinguish an experiment from an application.