What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients

(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant

(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops


Answer: (a)        

Explanation:

  • CRISPR technology refers to a gene-editing technique that can modify genetic expression.
  • This method involves using the Cas9 protein as molecular scissors in targeted DNA after scanning the genome for the correct location through Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR).
  • Cas9 is an enzyme that can cut both strands of the DNA double helix at specific sites in the genome.
  • It is a bacterial RNA-guided endonuclease that uses RNA base pairing to locate and cleave targeted DNA.

Consider the following statements:                                                                   The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:                                               

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Consider the following statements:                                                         The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:                                               

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