The Question is from neet-botany biotechnology gene-therapy, and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR-Cas9 are all tools used in gene editing.  What is a key advantage of CRISPR-Cas9 over ZFNs and TALENs?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Gene editing technologies and their comparative advantages.
 **Related Topics**: ZFNs, TALENs, CRISPR-Cas9, gene targeting, genome engineering.
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of molecular biology and gene editing principles.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR-Cas9 are gene editing tools.
  The question asks for a key advantage of CRISPR-Cas9 over ZFNs and TALENs.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Compare the design and implementation of each technology.
  Reasoning:  ZFNs and TALENs require complex protein engineering for each target sequence. CRISPR-Cas9 utilizes a simpler RNA-guided system.
  Formula/Rule:  None directly applicable.
 2. Analyze the ease of design and implementation.
  Working: Designing and implementing ZFNs and TALENs involves extensive protein engineering and optimization, which is time-consuming and expensive. In contrast, designing a CRISPR-Cas9 system only requires designing a short guide RNA (gRNA) that is complementary to the target DNA sequence. This makes CRISPR-Cas9 significantly easier and faster to design and implement.
  Key Point: The ease of gRNA design is a crucial advantage of CRISPR-Cas9.
 3. Evaluate the options provided.
  Result: Option B accurately reflects the key advantage of CRISPR-Cas9: easier design and implementation due to RNA-guided targeting.
  Verification:  The other options are either partially true or not the most significant advantage.  While CRISPR-Cas9 can have higher specificity in some cases, it's not always guaranteed.  Simultaneous multi-gene targeting is possible with modifications to the system, and stability is comparable across the technologies.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Higher target specificity and lower off-target effects are desirable but not always guaranteed and not the primary advantage of CRISPR-Cas9 over other methods.  Specificity depends on many factors, including guide RNA design.
B ✓: Easier design and implementation due to RNA-guided targeting is a significant and well-established advantage of CRISPR-Cas9.  The simplicity of designing a short guide RNA compared to engineering complex proteins is a major factor in its widespread adoption.
C :x:  While multiplexing is possible with CRISPR-Cas9, it requires modifications and is not an inherent advantage over ZFNs or TALENs which can also be multiplexed, though more laboriously.
D :x:  The stability and lifespan within the target cell are comparable across these gene editing technologies.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the ease of design with inherent higher specificity or efficiency.: The simplicity of CRISPR-Cas9 design doesn't automatically mean it’s always more specific or efficient.
  2.Overlooking the importance of off-target effects: While option A is partially true in some cases, it is not the primary advantage being discussed.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Focus on the fundamental difference in targeting mechanisms: RNA-guided vs. protein-based targeting.
  2.Remember that CRISPR-Cas9's simplicity in design and implementation is its major advantage, leading to its widespread use.

NISHANTH · Answer

Higher target specificity and lower off-target effects

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Easier design and implementation due to RNA-guided targeting"

NISHANTH · Answer

Ability to target multiple genes simultaneously without modification

NISHANTH · Answer

Greater stability and longer lifespan within the target cell

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