Every
cell in our body contains a copy of our genome.
From this single blueprint, differential gene expression allows for a
variety of structures and functions. DNA
consists of two strands of nucleotides twisted into a double helix and held
together by a simple pairing rule. Genes
shape who we are individually and as a species.
Genes also have profound effects on our health. Some genes can specifically influence our
risk for disease. In order to understand
the role of different genes, we need a way to control and manipulate them, and
further observe the effects of these changes.
Such
control and manipulation is not an easy feat.
Recently, a new method, CRISPR-Cas9, has dramatically improved our
ability to edit DNA.
