Textbook Question
Diagram the mechanism by which CRISPR–Cas functions in the immune system of bacteria and archaea.
Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - The Molecular Basis of Heredity, Variation, and Evolution64
- Ch. 2 - Transmission Genetics144
- Ch. 3 - Cell Division and Chromosome Heredity81
- Ch. 4 - Gene Interaction87
- Ch. 5 - Genetic Linkage and Mapping in Eukaryotes103
- Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages73
- Ch. 7 - DNA Structure and Replication71
- Ch. 8 - Molecular Biology of Transcription and RNA Processing79
- Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation110
- Ch. 10 - Eukaryotic Chromosome Abnormalities and Molecular Organization100
- Ch. 11 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Homologous Recombination86
- Ch. 12 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria and Bacteriophage90
- Ch. 13 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes38
- Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics72
- Ch. 15 - Recombinant DNA Technology and Its Applications69
- Ch. 16 - Genomics: Genetics from a Whole-Genome Perspective49
- Ch. 17 - Organelle Inheritance and the Evolution of Organelle Genomes27
- Ch. 18 - Developmental Genetics43
- Ch. 19 - Genetic Analysis of Quantitative Traits66
- Ch. 20 - Population Genetics and Evolution at the Population, Species, and Molecular Levels105
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
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Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem 8
Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem 8Chapter 14, Problem 8
Describe how CRISPR–Cas has been modified to create a genome-editing tool.
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Understand the natural function of CRISPR–Cas: CRISPR–Cas is a bacterial immune system that uses RNA-guided Cas proteins to target and cut foreign DNA, such as that from viruses, based on sequence complementarity.
Identify the key components of CRISPR–Cas: The system has two main components—(1) the guide RNA (gRNA), which is designed to match the target DNA sequence, and (2) the Cas9 protein, which acts as molecular scissors to cut the DNA at the target site.
Explain how scientists modified CRISPR–Cas: Researchers adapted the system by engineering the guide RNA to target specific DNA sequences of interest in the genome, allowing precise targeting of genes for editing.
Describe the genome-editing process: Once the Cas9 protein cuts the DNA at the target site, the cell's natural DNA repair mechanisms are used to introduce changes. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) can create insertions or deletions, while homology-directed repair (HDR) can introduce specific sequences if a repair template is provided.
Highlight the versatility of CRISPR–Cas: The system has been further modified to include 'dead' Cas9 (dCas9) for gene regulation, base editors for single-nucleotide changes, and prime editing for more precise edits, making it a powerful and versatile genome-editing tool.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
CRISPR-Cas System
The CRISPR-Cas system is a natural defense mechanism found in bacteria that protects against viral infections. It consists of CRISPR sequences, which store segments of viral DNA, and Cas proteins that can cut DNA. This system has been harnessed for genome editing by allowing precise modifications to DNA in various organisms.
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Genomic Variation
Genome Editing
Genome editing refers to the techniques used to alter the genetic material of an organism. CRISPR-Cas9 is one of the most prominent tools for genome editing, enabling researchers to add, delete, or modify specific DNA sequences. This technology has vast applications in medicine, agriculture, and biological research.
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Modifications of CRISPR-Cas
Modifications to the CRISPR-Cas system have enhanced its specificity and efficiency for genome editing. These include the development of Cas9 variants with altered cutting properties, the use of guide RNA to improve targeting accuracy, and the creation of CRISPR systems that can edit RNA instead of DNA. Such advancements have broadened the potential applications of CRISPR technology.
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Related Practice
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Why do most cancers require the mutation of multiple genes?
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Based on what you read in this chapter, Can a tumor arise from a single mutated cell? Are all the cells in a tumor identical?
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Do you think it is important that participation in community-based genetic screening be entirely voluntary? Why or why not?
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The inheritance of certain mutations of BRCA1 can make it much more likely that a woman will develop breast or ovarian cancer in her lifetime. Can you say with certainty that a woman inheriting a mutation of BRCA1 will definitely develop breast or ovarian cancer in her lifetime? Why or why not?
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Textbook Question
The inheritance of certain mutations of BRCA1 can make it much more likely that a woman will develop breast or ovarian cancer in her lifetime. In addition to inheriting a BRCA1 mutation, what else must happen for a woman to develop breast or ovarian cancer?