How CRISPR Lets You Edit DNA

What acts like an instruction manual for our cells?

• Lipids

• RNA molecules

• The DNA contained in our genes

• Proteins

What are the four building blocks called that are strung together in our cells?

• Nucleotides

• Fatty acids

• Bases

• Amino acids

What is CRISPR originally a natural process for?

• Virus creation

• A bacterial immune system

• Human genetic modification

• Plant growth enhancement

What do Cas proteins do in the CRISPR system?

• Create new cells

• Replicate DNA

• Chop up DNA like molecular scissors

• Produce energy for the cell

What year did scientists figure out how to use CRISPR to target any DNA?

• 2012

• 1999

• 2005

• 2015

What is the key to CRISPR's power in gene editing?

• The ability to see inside cells

• The ability to replicate DNA quickly

• The production of new cells

• The use of guide RNA to direct Cas9 to the target gene

What type of repair process is prone to mistakes and can lead to extra or missing bases?

• Homology directed repair

• Nonhomologous end joining

• Mitotic recombination

• Base excision repair

What can CRISPR potentially create new treatments for?

• Common colds

• Physical injuries

• Diseases linked to specific genetic errors

• All types of cancer

What raises big ethical questions about CRISPR?

• Its use in creating new foods

• The long-term implications of a CRISPR edit

• Its cost

• Its ability to change hair color

What is a potential application of CRISPR outside of human health?

• Creating plants that yield larger fruit

• Enhancing the speed of internet connections

• Improving smartphone batteries

• Developing new computer chips