Question

1. In general, describe the principles and mechanisms for CRISPR-Cas9 system design and function

2. What are the similarities and differences in functionality between the CRISPR-Cas9 system and the RNA interference system?

Please answer each question separtely and paragraph form.

Answer 1

1. The CRISPER-Cas9 sysem composed of an enzyme a molecular scissor Cas9 and a guide RNA. Cas9 is used to cut DNA at desired location. Whereas guide RNA, made of small amino acid stretch will bind to the DNA and guide the Cas9 to the proper site. Now, the guide RNA contains the sequence which is complementary to the sequence of the DNA under study. Once inside the cell, the guide RNA then onla bind with the desired location and then Cas9 will remove the part. After this DNA repair mechanism will repair the part.

2. Both CRISPER-Cas9 and siRNA is able to reduce the effect of a functional gene however, they differ in the mechanism they use. siRNA method is used to reduce or knocked down expression of a particular gene, whereras CRISPER-Cas9 completely knocked out the gene function. CRISPER method is a gene editing techniques and siRNA follows postrasncriptional gene modification.