Chapter 7. Genome Editing Systems
Researchers are often interested in placing specific genes into bacterial or eukaryotic cell lines for further research into cell physiology and function. A common set of techniques used in molecular biology research include the manipulation of genetic sequences (genotype) and observing the impact on the organism (phenotype). In the past few years, genetic manipulation has been supplemented by huge advances in sequencing and the rise of cheap, efficient, and accurate sequencing technologies. The two technologies combined allow for an unprecedented amount of precision in locating individual base pairs. An enormous amount of knowledge can be obtained about a potential sequence and its function in normal conditions versus in pathological states. This vast obtained information allows for the construction of a vehicle for editing the genome inexpensively and accurately. Such a vehicle would allow us to locate a specific sequence in the DNA and perform a simple manipulation. Being able to replace DNA sequences with engineered sequences using a vehicle would encompass these separate parts into a larger whole, as a comprehensive system: a genome editing system.
Naturally occurring genome editing systems serve to provide immunity to their hosts (bacteria or archaea) against viral predators. More generally, the genome editing systems provide protection against foreign DNA molecules and mobile genetic elements by neutralizing them. This neutralizing ...
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