Question

If you wanted to block gene function at the DNA level why might you choose performing a forward genetic approach (randomly mutating genes) vs. a targeted approached (by using CRISPR/CAS9)?

Answer 1

1) For blocking gene function at the DNA level, first one should find out how the gene and its coded protein will function in the organism.

2) Genome editing is the use of several different techniques to change the DNA of the particular organism. The change can be any change like addition, removal or alteration of sequence at a particular point in DNA.

3) The most advanced and targeted approach for gene editing is CRISPR-CAS9.

4) Thus for blocking the gene function at the DNA LEVEL, we might use CRISPR-CAS9 technology, over random mutagenesis.

5) REASONS BEHIND USING CRISPR-CAS9: It is more efficient, faster, more precise, economically cheaper. If we will have a look at how and from where the CRISPR-CAS9 was adapted. Then it will be clear that this technique was naturally as such inbuilt in that bacteria who was actually recognizing the DNA sequence of invading virus.

In the CRISPR-CAS9 technique, the RNA for the targetted DNA sequence is allowed to bind to the DNA sequence, and then the CAS9 enzyme goes and cuts the DNA sequence directly.

The above statement explains how the CRISPR technique is working and how it is directly and efficiently cutting the targetted sequence. CRISPR-CAS9 is also being used and researched nowadays to find a cure for genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, etc. As it targets the exact specific sequence and has other advantages too.

6) While in the case of randomly mutating genes, it will be a chance phenomenon like when our target location in DNA will get mutated. Because random mutagenesis will may or may not at first target the specific sequence.