Article Title: CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
08-06-2024
Science & Technology Prelims Plus
Scientists developed a new exosome-based CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing Platform
What is Exosomes ?
They are naturally occurring vesicles that have the potential to be manipulated to become promising drug delivery vehicles for on-demand in vitro and in vivo gene editing. It significantly enhances the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing components to specific cells.
CRISPR/Cas9 Technology :
It is a type of genome editing technology. It is utilised to change genetic code or edit Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at particular locations.
Working: Works as cut and paste mechanism on DNA Strands. Genetic codes that need to be changed are identified. Cas9 protein is used as a pair of molecular scissors to cut off a part from strand, allowing modifications to the genome.
Applications of CRISPR: Edit genes in human embryo. Change genetic codes of crops to improve crop resilience, treating diseases like sickle cell disease etc.
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