Asked in IAS Exam 2018⤵️

Q.1 Consider the following pairs of Terms sometimes seen in news vs Context /Topic: 

1. Belle II experiment: Artificial Intelligence
2. Blockchain technology: Digital/ Cryptocurrency
3. CRISPR — Cas9: Particle Physics

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

CRISPR-Cas9

Why in News ?

A Chinese researcher recently claimed that he had altered the genes of a human embryo that eventually resulted in the birth of twin girls. The genes were claimed to be “edited” to ensure that they do not get infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

What is CRISPR-Cas9?

CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing technique.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a unique technology that enables Scientists  and medical researchers to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding or altering sections of the DNA sequence.

CRISPRs - clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (sections of DNA).

Cas9 - CRISPR-associated protein 9

Cas9  is  an enzyme and acts as a pair of ‘molecular scissors’ that can cut the two strands of DNA at a specific location in the genome so that bits of DNA can then be added or removed. 

A piece of RNA called  guide RNA (gRNA). This consists of a small piece of pre-designed RNA sequence located within a longer RNA scaffold. 

This makes sure that the Cas9 enzyme cuts at the right point in the genome.

The guide RNA is designed to find and bind to a specific sequence in the DNA. 

Some bacteria have a similar, built-in, gene editing system to the CRISPR-Cas9 system that they use to respond to invading   virus much like an immune system. 

The CRISPR-Cas9 system currently stands out as the fastest, cheapest and most reliable system for ‘editing’ genes. 

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology is being touted as one of the biggest biotechnology breakthroughs of the century.