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CRISPR-Cas

The CRISPR-Cas system is a genome editing tool widely used in genome editing. The system was originally discovered as a bacterial defense mechanism that bacteria use to recognize and cut foreign DNA sequences (for example those of bacteriophages). The system works by a combination of a guide RNA that delivers the system to the correct area in the DNA and molecular scissors, called Cas nuclease, which cuts DNA at the specific site. Since its discovery, scientists have harnessed the biological system as a tool to add, remove, and replace genetic information, allowing us to understand how genes work and develop new treatments for diseases.

 

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This entry was provided by the doctoral students of the GetRADI collaborative network. GetRADI is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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