A Broad Introduction to Gene

All the living organisms on earth

is controlled by their unique
gene. Gene is like a string of
code that tells the organism what
to do. For example, the gene of
apples gives apples their unique
shape, extraordinary taste, and
fabulous color. For human beings,
gene is located at the core of
cells.

Definition of Organism

In natural world, organisms have

Virus the tendency of passing their own
gene to the next generation.
That’s why we see animals give
birth, including human beings.
Also, organisms need to breath and
grow, just like human beings.
Bacteria
How Viruses Hijack Cells and Bacteria
Live image of bacteriophage (a virus that targets
bacteria only) attacking a bacteria Viruses, however, is a specific
example. Viruses are not viewed as
organism because they neither grow
Oh no
nor breath. Nevertheless, viruses
can reproduce by inserting their
genes into other organisms. As a
result, the organisms will be
controlled and turned into virus
factories.
CRISPR-Cas9: Defend against Intruder

However, scientists found that bacteria can fight back by CRISPR-

Cas9 mechanism. Basically, bacteria will attempt to find the viral
gene and cut it out so that bacteria wouldn’t be controlled by the
virus.

The CRISPR strand A protain called Cas9

Active defense produces a
against viral then use the crRNA to
replication of itself, find the intruder's DNA
gene called crRNA.
A Virus
Infects a
Bacteria
The bacteria cuts a
Storage of viral piece of viral gene The CRISPR strand is
gene and stores it in a ready for use to
DNA strand called defend against the
CRISPR virus

CRISPR-Cas9: How It Works

Basically, the defense process can

be categorized into two sections:
one is the storage of viral gene,
and another is the active defense
against the viral gene. The
storage part provides futural
guidance to cut the intruder’s DNA

Brainstorming:
What would happen if
Cas9 protein isn’t
restricted from
cutting CRISPR strand?
CRISPR-Cas9: Application

Well, the process of CRISPR-Cas9 in bacteria is complicated.

However, the useful part of CRISPR-Cas9 is precise cutting. For
decades, scientists have tried to discover an effective way to cut
the gene as they wanted so that the gene can be further modified.

CRISPR-Cas9: Migrating from Bacteria to Cells

Cas9 protein can present in

almost all the cells. As a
result, scientists can utilize
Cas9 and biological engineering
to achieve highly efficient
genetic editing in these steps
without disrupting other DNA. 3D Modeling of a Cas9 Complex
scanning through a DNA strand

The Cas9
Build a Bind the complex
Identifying crRNA that artifical find the
DNA has the crRNA Insert new
Inject the target DNA
section identical with sequence of
integration of the cell
that should sequence Cas9 DNA into
of Cas9 and and cut it at
be cut as the the break
crRNA into the specific
target spot point.
DNA the cell
Done!

Could you please cut this spot so that I can add something new?

Sure!
CRISPR-Cas9: Future perspective

With the tool of CRISPR-Cas9, Scientist can edit every gene in a

programmable fashion. The cost of genetic editing is also lowered by
CRISPR-Cas9, thanks to its high efficiency.
CRISPR-Cas9 genetic editing is highly potential in so many fields,
which can benefit human beings and the world in a significant way.

Examples:
• GMO
• Cancer therapy
• Medicine production
• Synthesis of
Complex material
• …

Real-Life Application:
Mosquitos are annoying during the summer.
However, scientists in University of California,
San Diago have found a way to prevent mosquitos
from giving birth. This is achieved by editing
the gene of mosquitos using CRISPR technology.4
 Reference page & Usage of Image

1. The scientific article about CRISPR-Cas9

Jiang, Fuguo, and Jennifer A Doudna. “CRISPR-Cas9 Structures and Mechanisms.” Annual

review of biophysics 46.1 (2017): 505–529. Web.

2. An encyclopedia that introduces basic knowledge in geology, biology, and other scientific subjects:

Smith, Penny, et al. First Children’s Encyclopedia. London, Dorling Kindersley, 2010.

https://schooleverywhere-

elquds.com/lib/uploadbook/179121479125786First_Children__s_Encyclopedia.pdf

3. A biology textbook designed for middle schoolers:

Keller, Rebecca. Focus On Middle School Biology Student Textbook. Albuquerque, Gravitas

Publications, 2019. https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/035401/Focus-On-

Middle-School-Biology-Student-Textbook---3rd-Edition-hardcover.html

4. Sarkar, Anjali. “Mosquitoes Sterilized by CRISPR Powered Precision System.” Gen, 13 Sept. 2021,

https://www.genengnews.com/insights/mosquitoes-sterilized-by-crispr-powered-precision-

system/.

Image

5. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2197422-giant-viruses-have-weaponised-crispr-against-their-

bacterial-hosts/

6. https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/52360/can-the-cas9involved-on-the-crispr-cas9-

mechanism-be-considered-as-a-restric

7. https://www.diamandis.com/blog/can-crispr-be-a-single-injection

8. https://www.pngwing.com/en/free-png-prfsv

9. https://www.cell.com/article/S0092-8674%2814%2900604-7/fulltext