Explore the science of gene editing
Learn how DNA base pairs work, how mutations arise, and how CRISPR-Cas9 finds and cuts disease-causing genes, all through interactive simulations.
- WHAT IS CRISPR
A Guided Introduction to Genetic Editing
Plant Biotechnology
CRISPR enables precise modifications to plant DNA, helping scientists develop crops that are more productive, nutritious, and resilient to environmental challenges.
- Improve crop yield and productivity
- Enhance nutritional value
- Increase disease and pest resistance
- Improve drought and heat tolerance
- Extend shelf life and quality
- Support sustainable agriculture
- WHAT IS CRISPR
A Guided Introduction to Genetic Editing
Plant Biotechnology
CRISPR enables precise modifications to plant DNA, helping scientists develop crops that are more productive, nutritious, and resilient to environmental challenges.
- Improve crop yield and productivity
- Enhance nutritional value
- Increase disease and pest resistance
- Improve drought and heat tolerance
- Extend shelf life and quality
- Support sustainable agriculture
- THE MECHANISM
Find. Cut. Repair.
A designed guide RNA carries a sequence that complements the DNA target.
~20 nt targetThe guide RNA partners with the Cas9 protein and scans DNA for the matching site.
PAM requiredCas9 makes a double-strand break at the programmed genomic location.
DSB at targetThe cell repairs the break, disrupting a gene or installing a designed change.
Edit created- THE TOOLKIT
Not one tool. A whole toolbox.
Select a platform to compare how today’s CRISPR systems change or detect genetic information.
The original workhorse
Cas9 uses a guide RNA to recognize a matching DNA sequence beside a PAM, then cuts both strands. Cellular repair can disable a gene or install new DNA.
BEST SUITED TO:
- Gene Knockout
- Targeted Insertion
A compact,
staggered cut
Cas12a recognizes a different PAM, needs only a crRNA and leaves staggered DNA ends. Its collateral cleavage activity also powers sensitive diagnostics.
BEST SUITED TO:
- Multiplex Editing
- Nucleic-acid Detection
Change one letter
A catalytically altered Cas protein positions an enzyme over a short editing window, enabling selected single-base conversions without a double-strand break.
- Precise Point-mutation Correction
Write a designed sequence
Prime editing combines a Cas9 nickase, reverse transcriptase and prime-editing guide RNA to write substitutions, small insertions or deletions.
BEST SUITED TO:
- Versatile Precision Edits
- Applications of CRISPR
Discover How CRISPR Is Changing Our World
Medical Biotechnology
CRISPR is transforming modern medicine by enabling researchers to study genes, develop targeted therapies, and improve the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases.
- Treat inherited genetic disorders
- Advance cancer therapies
- Develop personalized medicine
- Improve disease diagnostics
- Accelerate drug discovery
- Support regenerative medicine research
Plant Biotechnology
CRISPR enables precise modifications to plant DNA, helping scientists develop crops that are more productive, nutritious, and resilient to environmental challenges.
- Improve crop yield and productivity
- Enhance nutritional value
- Increase disease and pest resistance
- Improve drought and heat tolerance
- Extend shelf life and quality
- Support sustainable agriculture
Aquaculture Biotechnology
CRISPR supports sustainable aquaculture by improving the health, growth, and resilience of aquatic species while reducing environmental impact.
- Improve disease resistance
- Enhance growth performance
- Increase feed efficiency
- Improve environmental adaptability
- Support sustainable seafood production
- Strengthen food security
- Applications of CRISPR
Discover How CRISPR Is Changing Our World
Medical Biotechnology
CRISPR is transforming modern medicine by enabling researchers to study genes, develop targeted therapies, and improve the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases.
- Treat inherited genetic disorders
- Advance cancer therapies
- Develop personalized medicine
- Improve disease diagnostics
- Accelerate drug discovery
- Support regenerative medicine research
Plant Biotechnology
CRISPR enables precise modifications to plant DNA, helping scientists develop crops that are more productive, nutritious, and resilient to environmental challenges.
- Improve crop yield and productivity
- Enhance nutritional value
- Increase disease and pest resistance
- Improve drought and heat tolerance
- Extend shelf life and quality
- Support sustainable agriculture
Aquaculture Biotechnology
CRISPR supports sustainable aquaculture by improving the health, growth, and resilience of aquatic species while reducing environmental impact.
- Improve disease resistance
- Enhance growth performance
- Increase feed efficiency
- Improve environmental adaptability
- Support sustainable seafood production
- Strengthen food security
- Interactive Demo
Simulate Gene Outcomes
- faq
Everything You Need to Know
What does CRISPR stand for?
CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats — sequences found in bacterial DNA that form part of their adaptive immune system. The gene-editing tool uses the Cas9 protein paired with a guide RNA to cut specific DNA sequences with high precision.
Is CRISPR safe for use in humans?
CRISPR is considered safe under rigorous clinical protocols. The primary concern is off-target edits — unintended cuts elsewhere in the genome. The FDA approved Casgevy in 2023 for sickle-cell disease after extensive safety trials. Ongoing research focuses on improving delivery, precision, and long-term safety monitoring.
What is the difference between somatic and germline editing?
Somatic editing affects only the treated patient’s non-reproductive cells — edits are not inherited by offspring. Germline editing changes embryos, eggs, or sperm — edits pass to all future generations. Somatic editing is used clinically (e.g. Casgevy). Germline editing is largely banned or heavily restricted worldwide due to ethical and safety concerns.
Can CRISPR cure cancer?
CRISPR is being actively researched for cancer treatment. Approaches include engineering T-cells to better recognise tumour antigens (CAR-T therapy enhanced by CRISPR), disabling oncogenes, and restoring tumour suppressor function. Several early-phase clinical trials are ongoing for blood cancers with promising early results.
What are the main ethical concerns about CRISPR?
Key concerns include: germline editing creating heritable changes without consent of future generations; enhancement editing (designer babies); access inequity — Casgevy costs over $3M, limiting availability to wealthy nations; gene drives that could irreversibly alter wild ecosystems; and misuse for non-medical enhancement or bioweapons.