Science & Technology
CRISPR
Family of DNA sequences found in prokaryotic organisms
Overview
CRISPR is a family of DNA sequences found in the genomes of prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria and archaea. Each sequence within an individual prokaryotic CRISPR is derived from a DNA fragment of a bacteriophage that had previously infected the prokaryote or one of its ancestors. These sequences are used to detect and destroy DNA from similar bacteriophages during subsequent infections. Hence these sequences play a key role in the antiviral defense system of prokaryotes and provide a form of heritable, acquired immunity. CRISPR is found in approximately 50% of sequenced bacterial genomes and nearly 90% of sequenced archaea.
Source: Wikipedia — CRISPR (CC BY-SA)
Key concepts
How CRISPR connects to the ideas, people and events around it.
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a polymer composed of two polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a double helix.
In the fields of molecular biology and genetics, a genome is all the genetic information of an organism. It consists of nucleotide sequences of DNA.
A prokaryote, less commonly spelled procaryote, is a cellular organism that lacks a distinct cell nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
Bacteria are ubiquitous, mostly free-living organisms often consisting of one biological cell. They constitute a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms.
Archaea is a domain of organisms. Traditionally, Archaea included only its prokaryotic members, but has since been found to be paraphyletic, as eukaryotes are known to have evolved from archaea.
A bacteriophage, also known informally as a phage, is a virus that infects and replicates within bacteria. The term is derived from Ancient Greek φαγεῖν (phagein) 'to devour' and bacteria.
The adaptive immune system (AIS), also known as the acquired immune system or specific immune system, is a subsystem of the immune system that is composed of specialized cells, organs, and processes that eliminate pathogens specifically.
Bacterial genomes are generally smaller and less varied in size between species when compared with genomes of eukaryotes. Bacterial genomes can range in size anywhere from about 130 kbp to over 14 Mbp.
Revise CRISPR
Flashcards and a quick quiz, built from this map.
Questions about CRISPR
What is CRISPR?
CRISPR is a family of DNA sequences found in the genomes of prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria and archaea. Each sequence within an individual prokaryotic CRISPR is derived from a DNA fragment of a bacteriophage that had previously infected the prokaryote or one of its ancestors. These sequences are used to detect and destroy DNA from similar bacteriophages during subsequent infections.
What are the key concepts related to CRISPR?
The main concepts connected to CRISPR include DNA, Genome, Prokaryote, Bacteria, Archaea, Bacteriophage, Adaptive immune system, Bacterial genome. Each is linked on the map above with its own summary.
Which exams cover CRISPR?
CRISPR is part of Science & Technology, which appears in the syllabus of UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, NDA, CDS, AFCAT, RRB NTPC and 32 more exams.