The guide RNA locates the specific gene
The CRISPR/Cas system relies on a guide RNA to find and target a specific sequence of genetic code. Think of the guide RNA as a GPS device.
![Guide RNA-locating gene illustration in CRISPR/Cas process](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/RNA_icon.png)
![Guide RNA-locating gene illustration in CRISPR/Cas process](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/RNA_icon-mb_0.png)
The Cas enzyme enables the edits
Once the guide RNA has directed the Cas enzyme to a precise location in the DNA, the enzyme cuts a specific section of DNA to allow for changes to be made.
![Cas enzyme cutting DNA illustration](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Cas_icon.png)
![Cas enzyme cutting DNA illustration](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Cas_1.png)
Targeting a specific gene
Targeting a specific gene
First, the guide RNA directs the Cas enzyme to a specific site in the DNA where the gene that should be modified lives.
![Guide RNA-locating gene illustration in CRISPR/Cas process](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Scene1_mot.png)
![Guide RNA-locating gene illustration in CRISPR/Cas process](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Scene1_MB.png)
Matching
Once the site has been found, the Cas-RNA complex causes the DNA to unravel. The guide RNA then lines up with the unraveled DNA.
![DNA unraveling with Cas–RNA complex](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Scene2_MoT.png)
![DNA unraveling with Cas–RNA complex](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Scene2_MoT_MB.png)
Cutting the DNA
Next, the Cas enzyme cuts the DNA strand at a precise location so that the
Next, the Cas enzyme cuts the DNA strand at a precise location so that the
![Cas enzyme cutting DNA strand](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Scene3_mot.png)
![Cas enzyme cutting DNA strand](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Scene3_mot-mb.png)
Editing complete
We have now activated a new set of instructions within the cell.
![Gene-editing process illustration with complete edited DNA strand](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2022-04/Scene4_MoT.png)
![Gene-editing process illustration with complete edited DNA strand](/sites/g/files/cunzhm556/files/2023-01/Scene4_mb.png)
Learn more about the history of
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