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CRISPR/Cas Gene Editing

CRISPR / Cas Gene Editing Illustration CRISPR / Cas Gene Editing Illustration

How CRISPR and Cas Protect Bacteria from Viruses

When infected by a virus, a bacterial cell clips a bit of viral genetic material and saves it as a spacer between the repeats in CRISPR. Transcription and processing of the DNA spacers produces CRISPR RNA segments. When another virus comes along that matches one of these RNAs, the Cas protein cuts the viral gene, ending the virus’s life cycle. This bacterial defense mechanism provides immunity against viral invaders.

CRISPR / Cas Gene Editing Illustration – Detail CRISPR / Cas Gene Editing Illustration – Detail

How CRISPR and Cas Protect Bacteria from Viruses – Image Detail

When infected by a virus, a bacterial cell clips a bit of viral genetic material and saves it as a spacer between the repeats in CRISPR. Transcription and processing of the DNA spacers produces CRISPR RNA segments. When another virus comes along that matches one of these RNAs, the Cas protein cuts the viral gene, ending the virus’s life cycle. This bacterial defense mechanism provides immunity against viral invaders.

CRISPR / Cas Technology CRISPR / Cas Technology Illustration

CRISPR/Cas technology

CRISPR/Cas technology can be used to modify, delete, and/or replace new genes. The use of this technology is rapidly expanding in the scientific community to develop animal models of disease.