Skip to main content

CRISPR

 

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a repeating sequence found in bacteria. When a bacteria fights off a virus, the virus’s genetic code is broken down and stored in CRISPR spaces in the bacteria’s genome. Upon a viral infection, an enzyme called Cas9 then chops the viral genome if it matches the sequence in the CRISPR spaces. 


By using artificial RNA in the CRISPR space, Cas9 can then be used to cut anything with the same code. CRISPR can thus be used to remove undesirable genes, and also harness repair enzymes to substitute desired genes into the space left by the snippers. 


Beyond the CRISPR/Cas9 system, other systems such as CRISPR/Cas13 have also been found. While Cas9 is used to edit DNA, Cas13 is found to edit RNA. 


The potential for CRISPR technology is endless. On a basic level, CRISPR can be used to remove genes coding for diseases and replace it with a normal gene. CRISPR can also be used to experiment on the different genes in animals and see the exact function of each gene. 


However, there are also many ethical concerns regarding this technology. One of it is the ethicality of creating designer babies. Furthermore, this technology can also be used to alter entire species of organisms. While this technology is promising, there are still many question marks as to the boundaries which scientists should be held to.


Sources:

https://www.livescience.com/58790-crispr-explained.html

https://www.vox.com/2018/7/23/17594864/crispr-cas9-gene-editing

https://www.newscientist.com/term/what-is-crispr/


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kidney Stones

Renal calculi, or kidney stones is the formation of crystals in the kidneys causing excretory issues. These stones mainly form in the renal pelvis or the ureter in the kidney. It is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and a burning sensation when urinating  Urine consists of salts and various compounds such as Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Oxalate, Phosphate and Uric acid. Calcium oxalate is the most common stone formed in the kidneys, it accounts for 80% of kidney stones The crystals can scratch the walls of the urinary tract, sending nerve impulses to the brain causing excruciating abdominal pain. The scratches also cause blood vessels embedded behind the walls to burst, causing blood to enter the urinary system. This causes the patient to urinate blood. IF the stone is big enough to cause a blockage in the urinary tract, this can create a backflow of urine and infect the kidneys itselves. However, most kidney stones do not grow large enough to cause a blockage. This w...
Post a Comment
Read more

Horner’s Syndrome

Horner’s syndrome is a condition where the sympathetic nerves on the face are damaged. 3 classic signs of Horner’s syndrome include miosis (constriction of the pupil), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) and anhidrosis (absence of sweating of the face). It is a result of other medical problems such as stroke, tumor or spinal cord injury. Hence, treatment for the underlying issue may restore nerve function. The nerve pathway affected in Horner’s syndrome is divided into three groups of neurons called the first, second and third order neurons. These neurons lead from the hypothalamus of the brain through the spinal cord and finally along the facial skin and muscles of the iris and eyelids  Sources: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6670/ horners-syndrome
Post a Comment
Read more

Organ Transplants

  Organ transplantation is a medical procedure in which an organ is removed from one body and planted in the body of a recipient. It is often the only treatment for end stage organ failure, such as liver and heart failure.  Researchers have historically experimented with organ transplantation on animals and humans since the 18th century. However, the first major breakthrough was made in 1954, when the first successful kidney transplant was performed. Since then, medical breakthroughs such as tissue typing and immunosuppressant drugs have only increased the success rate of this procedure.  In Singapore, the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) covers all aged 21 and above, unless one has opted out. HOTA allows for the kidneys, heart, liver and corneas to be removed for transplantation in the event of death. Sources: https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/learn/about-transplantation/history/ https://www.moh.gov.sg/policies-and-legislation/human-organ-transplant-act https://www.who.i...
Post a Comment
Read more