Why in News? 

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing exploits the CRISPR-Cas system to modify a genome in a targeted manner.  

What is CRISPR Technology? 

• Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a gene-editing technology that mimics a natural defence mechanism found in bacteria to combat viral attacks, using a protein known as Cas9. 
• This process typically involves either introducing a new gene or suppressing an existing one through genetic engineering. Unlike some other methods, CRISPR does not require the insertion of foreign genes. 
• Often referred to as ‘Genetic Scissors’, CRISPR-Cas9 technology functions similarly to the ‘cut-copy-paste’ or ‘find-replace’ features in computer software. A defective segment of DNA, which may cause a disease or disorder, is located, cut out, and replaced with a corrected sequence. 
• The tools used in this process are biochemical, specifically involving protein and RNA molecules. CRISPR technology essentially replicates the defence strategy of certain bacteria, which use a similar technique to protect themselves from viruses.