CRISPR-Cas9: Molecular Mechanics and Applications Walkthrough

Section role: supports the 'Molecular Mechanics and Bioethical Frameworks' section while the teacher debriefs the challenge and formalizes the CRISPR mechanism and applications. Slides: (1) Title — 'CRISPR-Cas9: Precision Gene Editing'; (2) Cas9's Molecular 'Handshake' — bullets: Cas9 protein structure, the critical role of the Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) (e.g., NGG), image showing Cas9 binding DNA and PAM; (3) Guide RNA: The Molecular GPS — bullets: single guide RNA (sgRNA) structure, its complementarity to the target DNA sequence, visual of sgRNA guiding Cas9; (4) Repair Pathways: NHEJ vs. HDR — bullets: Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) leading to indels and gene knockout, Homology-Directed Repair (HDR) for precise insertions, diagram comparing both processes; (5) Medical Applications Workflow — bullets: example of sickle cell anemia therapy, target BCL11A, illustrate a general CRISPR workflow for human gene editing (e.g., ex vivo approach); (6) Agricultural Applications Workflow — bullets: example of Xanthomonas oryzae resistance in rice, modifying SWEET gene promoter, illustrate a general CRISPR workflow for crop improvement; (7) Connecting the Challenge: From Problem to Solution — bullets: how student solutions from Section 2 utilized specific molecular mechanisms (e.g., NHEJ for knockout, HDR for precise changes), reinforce vocabulary: 'sgRNA', 'PAM', 'Indels'; (8) Closing slide: 'What are the key technical hurdles and ethical considerations in advancing CRISPR for diverse applications?' — sets up further discussion on the balance between innovation and regulation.

Lara from Teachy