ScienceGuide
What Is CRISPR and How Does Gene Editing Actually Work?
CRISPR lets scientists rewrite DNA with startling precision — and it's already curing a genetic disease. Here's how gene editing works, in plain English.
Jul 9, 202610 min
Biology
Modern biology sits at the intersection of computation, chemistry, and medicine. This hub covers genomics, gene editing technologies like CRISPR, synthetic biology, evolutionary biology, and the science informing precision medicine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is CRISPR?
CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing technology that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA sequences in living cells. It has applications in medicine, agriculture, and fundamental research.
What is gene editing?
Gene editing is the deliberate alteration of an organism's DNA — adding, removing, or changing specific sequences. Modern tools like CRISPR make this precise and relatively cheap, enabling everything from disease research to crops that resist drought.
What is synthetic biology?
Synthetic biology is the design and engineering of new biological parts, systems, or organisms — for example, reprogramming microbes to produce medicines or materials. It combines biology with engineering principles and often relies on gene-editing tools.