Pronounced “crisper.” An adaptive immune system found in bacteria and archaea, co-opted as a genome engineering tool. Acronym of “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats,” which refers to a section of the host genome containing alternating repetitive sequences and unique snippets of foreign DNA. CRISPR-associated surveillance proteins use these unique sequences as molecular mugshots as they seek out and destroy viral DNA to protect the cell.
A string of amino acids folded into a three-dimensional structure. Proteins are each specialized to perform a specific role to help cells grow, divide, and function. One of the four macromolecules that make up all living things (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids).
A type of disease caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. Cancerous cells may form clumps or masses known as tumors, and can spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis.
The basic unit of life. The number of cells in a living organism ranges from one (e.g. yeast) to quadrillions (e.g. blue whale). A cell is composed of four key macromolecules that allow it to function (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids). Among other things, cells can build and break down molecules, move, grow, divide, and die.
Abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid, a long molecule that encodes the information needed for a cell to function or a virus to replicate. Forms a double-helix shape that resembles a twisted ladder. Different chemicals called bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are found on each side of the ladder, or strand. The bases have an attraction for each other, making A stick to T while C sticks to G. These rungs of the ladder are called base pairs. The sequence of these letters is called the genetic code.
A change from one genetic letter (nucleotide) to another. Variation in DNA sequence gives rise to the incredible diversity of species in the world, and even occurs between different organisms of the same species. While some mutations have no consequence at all, certain mutations can directly cause disease. Mutations may be caused by DNA-damaging agents such as UV light or may arise from errors that occur when DNA is copied by cellular enzymes. They can also be made deliberately via genome engineering methods.
One of the basic chemical units strung together to make DNA or RNA. Consists of a base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. The phosphates can link with sugars to form a string called the DNA/RNA backbone, while the bases can bind to their complementary partners to form base pairs.
An infectious entity that can only persist by hijacking a host organism to replicate itself. Has its own genome, but is technically not considered a living organism. Viruses infect all organisms, from humans to plants to microbes. Multicellular organisms have sophisticated immune systems that combat viruses, while CRISPR systems evolved to stop viral infection in bacteria and archaea.
A protein derived from the CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune system that has been co-opted for genome engineering. Uses an RNA molecule as a guide to find a complementary DNA sequence. Once the target DNA is identified, Cas9 cuts both strands. Has been compared to “molecular scissors” or a “genetic scalpel.” In CRISPR immunity, cutting viral DNA prevents it from destroying the host cell. In genome engineering, cutting genomic DNA initiates a repair process that ends up making a change or “edit” to its sequence.
A molecule, typically a protein, that causes or catalyzes a chemical change. Usually an enzyme’s name describes a molecule involved in the activity it performs and ends with the suffix -ase. For example, lactase is a well-known enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk. Cas9 is a nuclease, an enzyme that breaks apart the backbone of nucleic acids (RNA or DNA).
An abundant type of microbe. These single-celled organisms are invisible to the naked eye, don’t have a nucleus, and can have many shapes. They’re found in all types of environments, from Arctic soil to inside the human body. Most bacteria are not harmful to human health, but certain pathogenic bacteria can cause illness.
A string of connected nucleotides; can be DNA or RNA. Two strands of DNA can zip together when complementary, bases match up to form base pairs. DNA typically exists in this double-stranded form, which takes the shape of a twisted ladder or double helix. RNA is typically composed of just a single strand, though it can fold up into complex shapes.
The four “letters” of the genetic code (A, C, T, and G) are chemical groups called bases or nucleobases. A = adenine, C = cytosine, T = thymine, and G = guanine. Instead of thymine, RNA contains a base called uracil (U).
希望亨德森
资料来源:创新基因组研究所
Pronounced “crisper.” An adaptive immune system found in bacteria and archaea, co-opted as a genome engineering tool. Acronym of “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats,” which refers to a section of the host genome containing alternating repetitive sequences and unique snippets of foreign DNA. CRISPR-associated surveillance proteins use these unique sequences as molecular mugshots as they seek out and destroy viral DNA to protect the cell.
Abbreviation of CRISPR-associated, may refer to genes (cas) or proteins (Cas) that protect bacteria and archaea from viral infection.
A string of amino acids folded into a three-dimensional structure. Proteins are each specialized to perform a specific role to help cells grow, divide, and function. One of the four macromolecules that make up all living things (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids).
A type of disease caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. Cancerous cells may form clumps or masses known as tumors, and can spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis.
The basic unit of life. The number of cells in a living organism ranges from one (e.g. yeast) to quadrillions (e.g. blue whale). A cell is composed of four key macromolecules that allow it to function (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids). Among other things, cells can build and break down molecules, move, grow, divide, and die.
Abbreviation of deoxyribonucleic acid, a long molecule that encodes the information needed for a cell to function or a virus to replicate. Forms a double-helix shape that resembles a twisted ladder. Different chemicals called bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are found on each side of the ladder, or strand. The bases have an attraction for each other, making A stick to T while C sticks to G. These rungs of the ladder are called base pairs. The sequence of these letters is called the genetic code.
A change from one genetic letter (nucleotide) to another. Variation in DNA sequence gives rise to the incredible diversity of species in the world, and even occurs between different organisms of the same species. While some mutations have no consequence at all, certain mutations can directly cause disease. Mutations may be caused by DNA-damaging agents such as UV light or may arise from errors that occur when DNA is copied by cellular enzymes. They can also be made deliberately via genome engineering methods.
A segment of DNA that encodes the information used to make a protein. Each gene is a set of instructions for making a particular molecular machine that helps a cell, organism, or virus function.
Cells with the potential to turn into a specialized type of cell or to divide to make more stem cells. Most cells in your body are differentiated – that is, their fate has already been decided and they cannot morph into a different kind of cell. For example, a cell in your brain cannot transform into a skin cell. Embryonic stem cells are found in developing embryos, while adult stem cells are found in tissues including bone marrow, blood, and fat. Adult stem cells replenish the body as it becomes damaged over time.
The entire DNA sequence of an organism or virus. The genome is essentially a huge set of instructions for making individual parts of a cell and directing how everything should run.
Intentionally altering the genetic code of a living organism. Can be done with ZFNs, TALENs, or CRISPR. These systems are used to create a double-strand break at a specific DNA site. When the cell repairs the break, the sequence is changed. Can be used to remove, change, or add DNA.
When a genome engineering enzyme cuts DNA at an unintended, "off-target," site that is similar to the intended target.
One of the basic chemical units strung together to make DNA or RNA. Consists of a base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. The phosphates can link with sugars to form a string called the DNA/RNA backbone, while the bases can bind to their complementary partners to form base pairs.
An infectious entity that can only persist by hijacking a host organism to replicate itself. Has its own genome, but is technically not considered a living organism. Viruses infect all organisms, from humans to plants to microbes. Multicellular organisms have sophisticated immune systems that combat viruses, while CRISPR systems evolved to stop viral infection in bacteria and archaea.
A protein derived from the CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune system that has been co-opted for genome engineering. Uses an RNA molecule as a guide to find a complementary DNA sequence. Once the target DNA is identified, Cas9 cuts both strands. Has been compared to “molecular scissors” or a “genetic scalpel.” In CRISPR immunity, cutting viral DNA prevents it from destroying the host cell. In genome engineering, cutting genomic DNA initiates a repair process that ends up making a change or “edit” to its sequence.
A two-piece molecule that Cas9 binds and uses to identify a complementary DNA sequence. Composed of the CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and trans-activating CRISPR RNA (tracrRNA). Cas9 uses the tracrRNA portion of the guide as a handle, while the crRNA spacer sequence directs the complex to a matching DNA sequence.
A molecule, typically a protein, that causes or catalyzes a chemical change. Usually an enzyme’s name describes a molecule involved in the activity it performs and ends with the suffix -ase. For example, lactase is a well-known enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk. Cas9 is a nuclease, an enzyme that breaks apart the backbone of nucleic acids (RNA or DNA).
An abundant type of microbe. These single-celled organisms are invisible to the naked eye, don’t have a nucleus, and can have many shapes. They’re found in all types of environments, from Arctic soil to inside the human body. Most bacteria are not harmful to human health, but certain pathogenic bacteria can cause illness.
A type of virus that infects bacteria or archaea, formally called bacteriophage.
A string of connected nucleotides; can be DNA or RNA. Two strands of DNA can zip together when complementary, bases match up to form base pairs. DNA typically exists in this double-stranded form, which takes the shape of a twisted ladder or double helix. RNA is typically composed of just a single strand, though it can fold up into complex shapes.
The four “letters” of the genetic code (A, C, T, and G) are chemical groups called bases or nucleobases. A = adenine, C = cytosine, T = thymine, and G = guanine. Instead of thymine, RNA contains a base called uracil (U).
