Emerging Technologies
CRISPR
Definition
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that enables scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of living organisms. It acts like a "find and replace" tool for DNA.
Why It Matters
CRISPR has the potential to cure genetic diseases, develop more resilient crops, and revolutionize biotechnology. It is a powerful and relatively easy-to-use tool for genetic engineering.
Contextual Example
Scientists are using CRISPR to research potential cures for diseases like sickle cell anemia and Huntington's disease by correcting the specific gene mutations that cause them.
Common Misunderstandings
- The use of CRISPR, especially in humans, raises significant ethical concerns that are the subject of ongoing debate.
- CRISPR is not a single thing, but a system composed of an enzyme (like Cas9) that cuts the DNA and a guide RNA that tells the enzyme where to cut.