CRISPR-Cas9 and RNA interference (RNAi) essay

CRISPR-Cas9

A precise gene-editing tool used for modifying DNA sequences to alter gene function.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A biological response that silences gene expression through the degradation or inhibition of target mRNA.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA)

Exogenous RNA molecules that bind to complementary mRNA sequences, leading to their degradation.

Protospacer adjacent motif (PAM)

A short DNA sequence adjacent to the target sequence, necessary for CRISPR-Cas9 activity.

Cas9

DNA endonuclease, that cuts DNA strands at specific locations within the DNA sequence, facilitating processes such as gene editing and repairs by introducing double-strand breaks, allowing for the potential insertion, deletion, or modification of genes.

Gene knockdown

A technique used to reduce the expression of one or more genes in an organism.

Xenotransplantation

The process of transplanting organs or tissues from one species to another.

Ethical implications of gene editing

The moral concerns surrounding human germline editing and the potential consequences of gene editing technologies.

High-throughput screening

A method that allows researchers to quickly conduct millions of genetic tests.

Biological attack

The intentional release of viruses or diseases to harm individuals or populations.

Gene therapy

an innovative approach to medicine that uses genes to treat or prevent disease by inserting, altering, or removing genes within an individual's cells, aiming to correct defective genes responsible for disease development.

CRISPR applications

Potential uses of CRISPR technology, including disease treatment, agriculture, and synthetic biology.

Targeted therapy

A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells.

Genetic engineering

The manipulation of an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits.

Off-target effects

Unintended modifications in the genome caused by gene editing technologies.

Biobanking

The process of collecting, storing, and managing biological samples for research.

Synthetic biology

An interdisciplinary branch of biology that involves designing and constructing new biological parts and systems.

Personalized medicine

Medical care tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient, often using genetic information.

Genomic sequencing

The process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome.