Osmosis video - CRISPRCas9

CRISPR/Cas9 is a gene-editing technology that has generated tremendous excitement in the scientific community. It is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to modify organisms genetically and has already been used to edit genes in human cells.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system comprises two components: CRISPR, which acts as a guide RNA; and Cas9, which is a DNA endonuclease, meaning an enzyme that cuts DNA. CRISPR binds to specific DNA sequences, called targets, and directs Cas9 to cut the target sequence. This can be used to delete or replace specific genes or correct mutations.