4B - CRISPR-Cas9 Flashcards
virus
A non-cellular, infectious agent composed of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat that requires a host cell to multiply.
bacteriophage
A virus that infects prokaryotic organisms.
CRISPR-Cas9
A complex formed between gRNA and Cas9 which can cut a target sequence of DNA. Bacteria use this complex for protection from viruses and scientists have modified it to edit genomes.
CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)
An endonuclease that creates blunt end cut at a site specific to gRNA.
Clustered Regularly Interapaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)
Short, clustered repeats of DNA found in prokaryotes which protect them agaist viral invasion.
spacer
Short sequences of DNA obtained from invading bacteriophages that are added into the CRISPR sequence.
protospacer
A short sequence of DNA extracted from a bacteriophage by Cas1 and Cas2 which has yet to be incorporated into the CRISPER gene.
protospacer adjacent motif (PAM)
A sequence of two-six nucleotides that is found immediately next to the DNA targeted by Cas9.
guide RNA (gRNA)
RNA which has a specific sequence determined by CRISPR to guide Cas9 to a specific site.
genetic modification
The manipulation of an organisms genetic material using biotechnology.
deleterious mutation
A change in DNA that negatively affects an individual.
gene therapy
Repairing genetic mutations by replacing a defective gene with a healthy one.
gene knockout
A technique in gene editing where scientists prevent the expression of a target gene to understand its function in an organism.
zygote
The diploid cell formed by the combination of two haploid gametes.
gene knock-in
A technique in gene editing where scientists substitute or add nucleotides in a gene.
