CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA sequences.
CRISPR editing utilizes a protein called Cas9, which acts as molecular scissors to cut DNA at specific target sites determined by a guide RNA molecule.
The guide RNA molecule is designed to recognize and bind to a specific DNA sequence, guiding the Cas9 protein to the intended editing site.
Once the DNA is cut, the cell's natural repair mechanisms can be harnessed to introduce desired changes. This can include gene knockout (disabling a gene's function), gene insertion (adding new genetic material), or gene correction (repairing mutations).
CRISPR editing offers several advantages over previous gene-editing methods. It is more precise, faster, and more cost-effective, making it accessible to a broader range of researchers.
The CRISPR system has applications in various fields, including agriculture, medicine, and basic research.
Why in News
Wood fibres are crucial for meeting the increasing demand for renewable tissue, paper, packaging, textiles, and other fibre products.
Historically, wood fibre production has been less efficient and productive than desired by researchers.
CRISPR editing has emerged as a promising tool to address this issue and improve wood fibre production.
With CRISPR editing, scientists can design wood that has lignin, a complex polymer, more suitable for fibre production.
Lignin in wood needs to be cleaved and dissolved to enable efficient fibre production.
By using CRISPR editing, researchers can modify the lignin composition, making it more conducive to fibre production.
The use of CRISPR editing offers potential for improved productivity and efficiency in wood fibre production, supporting the growing demand for renewable fibre-based products.
This development opens up new possibilities for advancements in the field of wood technology and contributes to the sustainable utilization of wood resources.
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