Gene Editing and Ethics Quiz

Gene editing is a powerful technology that allows scientists to precisely modify the DNA sequence of an organism. These alterations can range from correcting disease-causing mutations to introducing beneficial traits. Gene editing tools, like CRISPR-Cas, are revolutionizing various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations. This is achieved by cutting and pasting DNA fragments using restriction enzymes and ligases, allowing the creation of novel molecules with potential applications in medicine and agriculture.

CRISPR-Cas is a gene editing tool derived from a natural defense system found in bacteria and archaea. It consists of a protein (Cas) enzyme and a guide RNA (gRNA) that can target and cut specific DNA sequences. This targeted cutting allows for the insertion, deletion, or modification of genes, enabling precise genome editing.

Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs) are earlier gene editing technologies involving proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences and induce double-strand breaks. However, their high costs, complexity, and limitations have made them less popular compared to CRISPR-Cas.

Francisco Mojica, Emmanuelle Charpentier, and Jennifer Doudna are pioneers in the field of CRISPR-Cas gene editing. Mojica initially described repeated DNA sequences in archaea in 1993, while Charpentier and Doudna elucidated the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9 and its potential for gene editing. Feng Zhang made advancements by using CRISPR-Cas9 on mammalian cells.

A genetic disorder where only one copy of the disease-causing allele is needed for an individual to be affected. The disease can be passed down from one parent to their child.

A genetic disorder where two copies of the disease-causing allele are needed for an individual to be affected. Both parents must carry the allele for the child to inherit the disorder.

A genetic disorder where the gene responsible is located on the X chromosome. Males are more likely to be affected, as they have only one X chromosome.

Gene editing that alters the genetic makeup of somatic cells (non-reproductive cells). The changes are not passed down to future generations.

Gene editing that alters genetic material in reproductive cells (sperm, egg, or early embryo). The changes can be passed down to future generations.

A promising approach to treat or cure genetic diseases by targeting the genetic causes directly.

The scientific community is actively exploring the potential of SGE to treat genetic disorders, considering its ethical implications.

The scientific community acknowledges the promise of SGE but emphasizes ethical considerations and further research. This approach focuses on addressing the genetic cause of diseases while minimizing potential ethical concerns.

A DNA repair mechanism that joins two broken ends of a DNA molecule together without using a homologous template. It is an error-prone process that can lead to insertions, deletions, or rearrangements in the DNA sequence.

A DNA repair mechanism that uses a homologous template to repair a damaged DNA molecule. It is considered a high-fidelity repair pathway.

Genetic modifications made in sperm or eggs, which are passed down to the next generation.

A type of DNA repair that occurs when a double-stranded DNA break is repaired without a homologous template. It is prone to errors and can lead to insertions, deletions, or rearrangements in the genome.

The occurrence of different genetic sequences within different cells of an organism. It can arise from errors during DNA replication or repair.

The potential for unintended changes (mutations) to occur in the genome at locations different from the intended target site during gene editing.

The process of creating a genetic change that enhances an organism's traits beyond what is naturally occurring. It is controversial due to ethical considerations.

The practice of manipulating the genetic makeup of human embryos before or during pregnancy, aiming to cure diseases or enhance traits.

A type of gene editing where changes are made to the DNA of non-reproductive cells. These changes are not passed down to future generations.

Therapeutic approach involving extracting immune system cells, modifying them with gene editing to recognize and fight cancer, and then re-introducing them to the patient.

A type of gene editing tool that uses proteins to bind to specific DNA sequences and induce double-strand breaks. Less popular than CRISPR-Cas.

A young girl with a severe leukemia, treated with a revolutionary CAR-T cell therapy based on TALENs, showing its potential for curing cancer.

Gene editing changes are not permanent, they are confined to the treated individual and do not affect their offspring.

A scientific community consensus on the potential of germline editing: While exciting, the technology is still too risky for clinical trials.

The field of gene editing is showing promising progress, especially in areas like cancer treatment.

Gene editing, while powerful, needs careful consideration before widespread use.

An experimental medicine that is delivered via sub-retinal injection and is under development for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis 10 (LCA10), a rare, inherited form of blindness.

An inherited form of blindness caused by mutations in the CEP290 gene. It is a rare disorder that affects the retina.

A gene responsible for a protein essential for sound signal transmission from the ear to the brain.

A gene therapy approach is showing promise for treating an inherited form of deafness caused by mutations in the otoferlin gene.

A powerful gene editing tool derived from a natural bacterial defense system used to precisely modify DNA sequences.

The use of CRISPR technology to edit the genes of livestock, creating animals with desired traits and disease resistance.

A highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, causing respiratory and reproductive problems.

A common condition affecting humans, characterized by red blood cells that are crescent-shaped, leading to pain and tissue damage.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene editing technology used to modify crop genes, enhancing their resistance to diseases like powdery mildew in wheat and bacterial blight in rice.

CRISPR-Cas9 works by precisely targeting and altering specific genes within an organism's DNA, allowing scientists to introduce or modify traits.

The TaMLO-A1 gene in wheat is responsible for controlling powdery mildew resistance. By targeting this gene using CRISPR-Cas9, scientists can enhance the crop's defense against the fungus.

OsSWEET11 and OsSWEET14 genes in rice are known to increase susceptibility to bacterial blight. CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to disable these genes, making the rice more resistant to the bacterial infection.

Gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 bring about precise changes in existing genes, unlike GMOs which introduce foreign genes, resulting in a safer approach to crop improvement.

The European Union's ruling on CRISPR-Cas9 crops classifies them as GMOs, subject to stringent regulations.

CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to introduce beneficial traits in crops, such as disease resistance, enhancing their productivity and reducing the need for pesticides.

Random mutagenesis introduces larger, less controlled changes in the genome compared to precise modifications achieved by CRISPR-Cas9, leading to a higher risk of unintended consequences.