CRISPR gene editing is a revolutionary technology that allows scientists to modify an organism's DNA with high precision. The acronym CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, which refers to the natural defense mechanism found in bacteria that protects them from viral infections. This system uses an enzyme called Cas9 to act as molecular scissors, cutting the DNA at a specific location. Once the DNA is cut, researchers can add, remove, or alter genetic material, thereby enabling the modification of genes responsible for various traits or diseases. The potential applications of CRISPR include agricultural improvements, medical therapies, and even the potential for eradicating genetic disorders in humans. However, ethical considerations surrounding its use, especially in human embryos, remain a significant topic of discussion.
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