🧬 CRISPR: Overview, Applications in Plants, Agriculture & Biochemical Pathways

🧬 CRISPR: Overview, Applications in Plants, Agriculture & Biochemical Pathways

What is CRISPR-Cas9?

A gene-editing tool that uses a guide RNA and Cas9 enzyme to cut DNA at a specific location.

What is Cas9?

An enzyme that acts like molecular scissors to cut DNA at a precise site.

What is a guide RNA (gRNA)?

A short RNA sequence that directs Cas9 to the target DNA by complementary base pairing.

What is the origin of CRISPR-Cas9?

It is part of the bacterial adaptive immune system that defends against viruses.

Is CRISPR naturally occurring?

Yes, it was discovered in bacteria.

What does CRISPR stand for?

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.

Why is CRISPR considered precise?

It targets DNA sequences based on the specific guide RNA.

Can CRISPR be used in eukaryotic cells?

Yes, it works in plants, animals, fungi, and humans.

How is CRISPR different from older genetic engineering techniques?

It is faster, cheaper, more accurate, and can edit DNA without introducing foreign genes.

What happens after Cas9 cuts the DNA?

The cell attempts to repair the DNA, which can lead to gene disruption or insertion of new sequences.

What are two types of repair after CRISPR cutting?

Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homology-directed repair (HDR).

What is NHEJ?

An error-prone DNA repair method that can introduce mutations, often used to knock out genes.

What is HDR?

A precise DNA repair method that uses a template to insert a desired sequence.

Can CRISPR silence genes?

Yes, by causing mutations or preventing expression.

Can CRISPR insert genes?

Yes, via HDR and a supplied DNA template.

What is a CRISPR knockout?

A gene that has been inactivated by introducing mutations.

What is a CRISPR knock-in?

The insertion of a specific DNA sequence at a desired location.

Can CRISPR target multiple genes at once?

Yes, using multiple guide RNAs.

What are ethical concerns about CRISPR?

Unintended mutations (off-target effects), germline editing, and equity of access.

How can CRISPR be used in crops?

To insert or remove genes for traits like drought resistance, pest resistance, or nutrient enhancement.

How does CRISPR benefit agriculture?

Increases yield, improves stress tolerance, reduces chemical usage, and enhances food quality.

What is an example of CRISPR in agriculture?

Non-browning mushrooms or drought-resistant corn.

How does CRISPR reduce pesticide use?

By editing crops to resist pests and diseases, reducing reliance on chemicals.

Can CRISPR enhance photosynthesis in plants?

Yes, by modifying genes that regulate CO₂ fixation and enzyme efficiency.

How can CRISPR reduce post-harvest loss?

By editing genes controlling ripening and spoilage.

What are the environmental benefits of CRISPR in agriculture?

Less pesticide/fertiliser use, better land use, reduced carbon footprint.

Why is CRISPR faster than selective breeding?

It makes direct, targeted changes instead of waiting for generations of cross-breeding.

How can CRISPR help address climate change?

By creating crops that tolerate heat, drought, and salinity.

Can CRISPR remove allergens from food?

Yes, by deleting allergen-producing genes.

What are CRISPR-edited crops called?

They may be called genetically modified (GM) or gene-edited, depending on regulation.

How does CRISPR compare to transgenic modification?

CRISPR does not necessarily introduce foreign DNA, while transgenics do.

Can CRISPR help preserve biodiversity?

Yes, by improving resilience of native crops and reducing habitat pressure.

How does CRISPR affect biochemical pathways?

By altering genes that code for enzymes, which changes the rate or products of the pathway.

What is an example of CRISPR modifying a metabolic pathway?

Enhancing lipid biosynthesis in canola to produce more oil.

Why is CRISPR useful for pathway regulation?

It allows precise control of enzyme levels, improving metabolite production.

Can CRISPR improve photosynthesis efficiency?

Yes, by altering genes for Rubisco or the Calvin Cycle.

Can CRISPR increase nutrient production in crops?

Yes, e.g. increasing vitamin A in rice.

How is CRISPR used in biofuel production?

By engineering plants/microbes to overproduce sugars, starches, or oils for fermentation.

What is an example of CRISPR in microbial pathways?

Yeast engineered to increase ethanol yield.

Can CRISPR help reduce waste byproducts?

Yes, by blocking pathways that make unwanted compounds.

Can CRISPR be used to study gene function?

Yes, by knocking out or modifying genes and observing effects on pathways.

Can CRISPR improve industrial enzyme production?

Yes, by increasing expression or efficiency of specific enzymes.