CRISPR Essay

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a new technology that allows for DNA to be altered in order to make genetic changes to human cells. This is important in the Science department because CRISPR is a much easier, less complicated way, more secure and less expensive way to edit genes. CRISPR has two main parts; an enzyme that acts like a scissor that cuts two strands of DNA at a specific location in order for DNA to be added or removed, and a piece of RNA that makes sure that the enzyme or scissor cuts the proper part of the genome. CRISPR started by being used in bacteria mainly. Using CRISPR, bacteria is able to cut off a virus’s DNA, but keep a small amount of the DNA in order for the cell to be able to recognize it in the future. Scientists have adapted to CRISPR in order for it to be able to be used in other cells like animals not just bacteria. CRISPR has been used for many purposes; Scientists have used CRISPR for agricultural purposes, research medical transplants, and it has been tested on various organisms like mice. CRISPR has brought up many questions, for example, can you genetically edit food to regulate them? There has been a situation where a vegetable was tested to see if CRISPR could slow down the process of the vegetable rotting. A researcher at Penn State
In November 2015, surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical School removed a lung out of a pig to put inside of a baboon’s chest. They wanted to test it and see if the lung successfully continue working inside the baboon. Unfortunately, this 5-hour operation worth $50,000 resulted in the pig’s lung being unable to keep functioning for more than a few days. Because of CRISPR, scientists are now able to efficiently edit the pig’s genes that cause rejection or infection to the baboon a lot quicker and more precise. This lead to a bigger