[14] Genome Editing Techniques (Zinc-Finger Nucleases, TALENs) Flashcards
What is genome editing?
A method used to precisely and efficiently modify DNA within a cell.
What are Zinc-Finger Nucleases (ZFNs)?
Engineered proteins that can be used to target specific genes in a genome for editing.
Initials: ZFNs
Zinc-Finger Nucleases
What are TALENs?
Transcription activator-like effector nucleases, another type of engineered proteins that can be used for genome editing.
Initials: TALENs
Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases
How do ZFNs work in genome editing?
They bind to a specific DNA sequence and induce a double-strand break, enabling the modification of the genetic sequence at that location.
How do TALENs work in genome editing?
Similar to ZFNs, they also bind to specific DNA sequences and induce double-strand breaks, facilitating targeted gene modification.
How are ZFNs different from TALENs?
While both induce double-strand breaks in DNA, they recognize and bind to DNA sequences in different ways due to differences in their protein structure.
How are ZFNs constructed?
They are built by fusing a zinc finger DNA-binding domain to a DNA-cleavage domain.
How are TALENs constructed?
They are created by fusing a TALE DNA-binding domain to a DNA-cleavage domain.
What are the applications of ZFNs and TALENs in genome editing?
- Gene knockout
- Gene insertion
- Gene correction
What is a DNA-binding domain?
A protein domain that is capable of binding to specific sequences of DNA.
What is a DNA-cleavage domain?
A part of a nuclease protein that is responsible for cutting the DNA strand.
What is a double-strand break in DNA?
A type of DNA damage where both strands of the DNA molecule are broken.
What is gene knockout?
A genetic technique that inactivates, or “knocks out,” a gene to observe the effect of its loss.
