Question

what are the implications of the Crispr-Cas technology in:

1) Evolution

2) Medicine

3) Conservation Ecology

?

Answer 1

Solution:

CRISPR - CAS (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats - CRISPR-associated protein), this genome editing tool is mainly the prokaryote repeat cluster associated with a set of homologous genes. The CRISPR loci having Cas proteins involves enzymes like helicase and nuclease motifs act as molecular scissors for editing and modifying genomes. Crispr-Cas technology enables researchers to edit, manipulate, modify and alter specific DNA sequences in genomes inorder to correct genetic disorders or defects, prevention, control the spread and treatment of diseases and potent role in crop improvement.

1. Crispr-Cas technology in evolution - this technology originally derived from natural defence mechanism of bacteria and archea, play a vital role in survival of prokaryotes against the foreign invaders. CRISPR-Cas having profound impact of long-term microbial adaptation involves adaptor and effector module. This mechanism includes prevention of foreign bodies, viruses, bacteriophage infection, conjugation and transformation by chopping up and destroying the foreign nucleic acid that enter within the cell.

2. Crispr-Cas technology in medicine - this tecnology has several applications that includes editing the both somatic and germ cells of the genome, therefore enabled to cure various genetic diseases or disorders. Clinical trials successfully reported CRISPR/Cas 9 in mice for elimination of muscular dystrophy, cure of liver disease, and also making  human cells immune to HIV. Recently Crispr- Cas technology showing enhance implications in human diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Barth syndrome effects on the heart, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and β-Thalassemia. Researchers also working and trying to figure out new ways and horizones to treat and cure complex diseses including Alzheimer's disease, blindness and cancer.

.3. Crispr-Cas technology in conservation ecology - this technology involves large scale editing of genome by cutting and replacing the original specific DNA sequence with newly modified version in each and every generation. This also helpful to eliminate diseses, suppression or removal of an invasive poplulation without actual damage or suffering of an individual organisms using sex determination by targeting the Sry gene or using an X-chromosome shredder approach in rats, possums, and stoats. Reseachers are working towards increasing pathogen resistance via  genomic diversity of bottle-necked populations and adaptive potential in changing environment. CRISPR-Cas9 having great potential in non model species for making easier link between genotypes alongwith phenotypes and fitness.