Gene Editing
Gene Editing
Precision changes to the DNA molecule are now possible with gene editing techniques.
Learning Outcome: Describe what gene editing is, where the process originated, and the impact of precise DNA manipulation.
There are many genetic engineering techniques as introduced in the previous section, but now “gene editing” has a more specific meaning.
Bacteria have a sophisticated defense system against bacteria that involves genetic manipulation, and researchers are harnessing and altering their system to create engineered nucleases including CRISPR-Cas9.
This video introduces where CRISPR came from and how it is used.
Researchers can use specific guide RNA to direct where CRISPR-Cas9 cuts the DNA. This enables precise deletion of a gene, or cutting open DNA to insert a new gene.
There are numerous potential applications of gene editing, and this technology is getting ahead of the debate and legislation that will likely regulate uses of these techniques.
In module #10 you will have an opportunity to write an opinion piece over a course topic of your course, and it could be your thoughts on using genetic technologies like gene editing.
The next section focuses on the organisms produced by genetic technologies.
Check your knowledge – Gene Editing
Review your notes. Can you describe what CRISPR-Cas9 is and what it is used for? If so, move forward to the next page.
Learning Objective:
Describe what gene editing is, where the process originated, and the impact of precise DNA manipulation.
Go back to the Genetic Technologies Page
Go forward to the GMOs Page
Visualizing Data Contents
Complete all five of these sections before taking the quiz and submitting your media piece.
This Module
8: Why does it look like this?
This Guide
8C: Visualizing Data
Products Information
8C: Quiz & Media
