CRISPR
DNA editing tool
CRISPR is a gene-editing technology that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA sequences in living organisms.
The acronym stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats—sections of bacterial DNA that inspired the technique.
CRISPR functions like molecular scissors, cutting DNA at targeted locations to delete, replace, or insert genetic material: CRISPR could potentially cure inherited diseases.
The technology has revolutionized genetics research and sparked ethical debates about editing human embryos.
DNA-cutting enzyme
- nucleaseDNA-cleaving enzyme
- PAMNonstick aerosol brand
- spacerDevice maintaining separation
- cleavageTendency to split cleanly
targeting · specificity · off-target · interference · recognition · binding
Moral philosophy for medicine
- germlineHereditary cellular lineage
- enhancementIncrease in quality
- consentVoluntary agreement given
- equityImpartial treatment or ownership value
access · regulation · moratorium · oversight · dual-use · biosecurity · patent
Incapacitating final blow
- HDRExtended luminance technique
- insertionPlacing something within
- deletionRemoval of content
- correctionFixing of mistakes
mutation · transgene · multiplexing · scarless · precision · programmable
Self-replicating DNA circle
- vectorQuantity with direction
- deliveryConveyance of goods
- transfectionNon-viral gene introduction
- microinjectionPrecise cellular substance delivery
lentivirus · screening · library · array · kit · protocol · sequencing · validation
Disease treatment via body's defenses
- FDAU.S. health regulator
- hemophiliaGenetic clotting impairment
- blindnessAbsence of vision
- oncologyCancer medicine specialty
therapeutic · patient · treatment · cure · remission
Striped lab model organism
- mouseSmall gnawing mammal
- DrosophilaFruit fly genus
- gain-of-functionAcquired new capability
- phenotypeObservable characteristics of organism
Cultivation of land, livestock
- drought-toleranceCapacity to endure aridity
- mosquitoBlood-feeding flying pest
- malariaMosquito-borne parasitic infection
- diagnosticsMethods identifying problems
Cas9
DNA-cutting enzyme
cleavage · targeting · specificity · off-target · interference · recognition · binding
bioethics
Moral philosophy for medicine
- germlineHereditary cellular lineage
- enhancementIncrease in quality
- consentVoluntary agreement given
equity · access · regulation · moratorium · oversight · dual-use · biosecurity · patent
knockout
Incapacitating final blow
correction · mutation · transgene · multiplexing · scarless · precision · programmable
plasmid
Self-replicating DNA circle
- vectorQuantity with direction
- deliveryConveyance of goods
- transfectionNon-viral gene introduction
microinjection · lentivirus · screening · library · array · kit · protocol · sequencing · validation · genotyping
immunotherapy
Disease treatment via body's defenses
- FDAU.S. health regulator
- hemophiliaGenetic clotting impairment
- blindnessAbsence of vision
oncology · therapeutic · patient · treatment · cure · remission
zebrafish
Striped lab model organism
- mouseSmall gnawing mammal
- DrosophilaFruit fly genus
- gain-of-functionAcquired new capability
phenotype · genotype · screen · publication · reproducibility
agriculture
Cultivation of land, livestock
- drought-toleranceCapacity to endure aridity
- mosquitoBlood-feeding flying pest
- malariaMosquito-borne parasitic infection
diagnostics · biosensors · biofuels · xenotransplantation · organoids
- sciencebiology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology
- Medical Advancespenicillin, vaccine, X-ray, insulin pump, pacemaker
- discoveriesbreakthrough, scientific discovery, finding, uncovering, detection
- future techAI, drones, robots, autonomous vehicles, VR
- hereditygenes, DNA, gene, chromosomes, genetics
- inventionsprinting press, steam engine, lightbulb, light bulb, microscope
- CRISPR technologyTargeted DNA modification method
- CRISPR editingTargeted genome alteration technique