Introduction
The CRISPR Cas9 system, in particular, originally emerged in the bacterial immune system. Bacteria utilize CRISPR to identify and get rid of invasive viruses by storing a copy of the virus’ DNA in their own genome and then creating RNA molecules that match the viral DNA. The RNA molecules drive the Cas9 protein to the virus’s DNA, where it creates a DNA-cut and inactivates the virus. Scientists have tweaked this method to allow for the insertion or deletion of genetic information by using the Cas9 protein as molecular scissors to cut DNA at particular locations.
Discussion
It may also be used to change the genome to affect how genes are expressed, replace a disease-causing mutation with a healthy sequence, or investigate the function of individual genes. Gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 has several benefits. It might lead to the identification of cures for hereditary diseases including sickle cell anemia and Huntington’s disease as well as treatments for cancer and other illnesses (Innovative Genomics Institute, 2019). It may also improve agriculture by reducing the demand for pesticides and increasing agricultural production by creating crops that are resistant to pests and environmental stresses (Scientific American, 2022). Moreover, it could help in the battle against climate change by creating plants that are better able to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
The CRISPR Cas9 gene editing method can have disadvantages. It could have unintended consequences, including as side effects or the creation of new illnesses. The ability to create “designer babies” with certain traits might possibly widen the gap between populations that have undergone genetic alteration and those who have not (Innovative Genomics Institute, 2019). Moreover, it calls into question the propriety of altering the genetic make-up of living things and the possibility of technology abuse (Loose, 2018). The ability to treat genetic illnesses, which can have a large influence on society, is one of the important advantages of CRISPR Cas9. Many people’s quality of life may improve as a result of the technology’s capacity to treat and cure previously incurable diseases. Yet there are also moral questions raised by the usage of CRISPR Cas9. For instance, it would be dangerous to alter a fetus’ or embryo’s genome in order to cure it of a genetic condition (TED, 2015). The technique may be used to produce so-called designer children, which might result in genetic prejudice. Moreover, genetic editing may have unintended and detrimental impacts, such as genetic illnesses brought on by off-target effects.
Conclusion
Economically, the broad use of CRISPR Cas9 gene editing may result in the birth of a new field of genetic engineering, which might boost jobs and the global economy. Yet, it may also lead to disputes over patents involving CRISPR Cas9-related intellectual property and uneven access to genetic editing technologies. Gene editing using CRISPR Cas9 has the potential to transform the fields of health, agriculture, and environmental protection, but it also raises important ethical, social, and economic questions that need to be thoroughly considered before being extensively used.
References
Innovative Genomics Institute. (2019). What is CRISPR? – Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI). Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI). Web.
Loose, M. (2018). Finding the needle: Targeted nanopore sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9. The CRISPR Journal, 1(4), 265–267. Web.
Scientific American. (2021). Decoded: What is CRISPR and how does it work?[Video]. YouTube. Web.
TED. (2015). How CRISPR lets us edit our DNA | Jennifer Doudna. [Video]. YouTube. Web.