CRISPR: Important Topics for UPSC Exams​

CRISPR: Important Topics for UPSC Exams​

What?

• CRISPR is a genome editing tool which is faster, cheaper and more accurate than previous DNA editing techniques.

Why?

But scientists have been tinkering with genomes for decades. Why is CRISPR suddenly such a big deal?

• CRISPR allows scientists to edit genomes with unprecedented precision, efficiency, and flexibility.
• The past few years have seen a flurry of “firsts” with CRISPR, from creating monkeys with targeted mutations to preventing HIV infection in human cells.
• Some Chinese scientists have announced that they applied the technique to nonviable human embryos, hinting at CRISPR’s potential to cure any genetic disease.

How it happened?

By observing naturally occurring defense system found in wide range of strep bacteria where one DNA sequence is repeated over and over with slight changes as per the defense requirement.

Example: CRISPER-Cas9

What’s the future of CRISPR-Cas9?

• Likely to be many years before CRISPR-Cas9 is used for human on daily basis.
• Research still largely focused on animals or isolated human cells, with the aim to eventually use the technology to routinely treat diseases in humans.
• Ethical dilemma of its use for changing natural course of life patterns of humans
• May be utilized for humanoid advanced military robotic army.

Buy Printed Study Material for IAS Pre General Studies (Paper-1)

Online Crash Course for UPSC PRE Exam

<< Go Back to Main Page