5D AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS OF CRISPR-CAS9 Flashcards
potential uses and applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies to improve photosynthetic efficiencies and crop yields
CRISPR
short, clustered repeats of DNA found in prokaryotes which protects them against viral invasion.
CRISPR-associated protein 9
(Cas9)
an endonuclease that creates a blunt end cut at a site specified by guide RNA (gRNA).
genetic modification
the manipulation of an organism’s genetic material
using biotechnology.
genetically modified organism
(GMO)
an organism with genetic material that has been altered using genetic engineering technology.
Rubisco
a pivotal enzyme involved in initial carbon fixation during the light-independent stage of photosynthesis.
photorespiration
a wasteful process in plants initiated by Rubisco that limits photosynthesis.
C3 plants
plants with no evolved adaptation to minimise photorespiration.
C4 plant
plants that minimise
photorespiration by separating
initial carbon fixation and the
remainder of the Calvin cycle
over space.
CAM plant
plants that minimise
photorespiration by separating
initial carbon fixation and the
remainder of the Calvin cycle
over time.
yield
the amount of agricultural product harvested per area of land.
arable land
land that is suitable for growing crops.
Theory summary
CRISPR-Cas9 technologies have the potential to improve the agricultural industry in a number of ways. By editing a crop’s genome, the efficiency of photosynthesis can be improved by adjusting key factors in the process such as Rubisco or the photorespiration pathway. Other potential applications include increasing crop tolerance for harsh physical
conditions such as drought, frost, disease, or the chemicals used in farming. The potential
of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies is huge, however, due to its recency, most applications are
still in the early stages of research and development.
