What is the Difference Between CRISPR and CRISPR Cas9?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

CRISPR and CRISPR-Cas9 are both gene-editing technologies, but they are not the same thing. CRISPR stands for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats," while Cas9 refers to the enzyme "CRISPR-associated protein 9". The difference between CRISPR and CRISPR-Cas9 lies in their components and mechanism of action:

CRISPR:

  • Comprises a set of short RNA sequences (CRISPR RNAs or crRNAs) that can guide the system to match specific sequences of DNA.

CRISPR-Cas9:

  • Involves the use of Cas9 enzyme, which binds to the target DNA and cuts it, shutting the targeted gene off.
  • Cas9 enzyme is one of the enzymes produced by the CRISPR system.
  • CRISPR-Cas9 can be paired with tailor-made "guide" RNA (gRNA) sequences designed to lead them to specific target genes.
  • Can target multiple genes simultaneously, which sets it apart from other gene-editing tools.

In summary, CRISPR is a set of RNA sequences that guide the gene-editing system, while CRISPR-Cas9 is a specific gene-editing technology that uses the Cas9 enzyme to cut DNA strands and modify specific genes.

Comparative Table: CRISPR vs CRISPR Cas9

The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a powerful genome engineering tool that utilizes a guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas9 nuclease to edit specific DNA sequences. Here is a table comparing the differences between CRISPR and CRISPR-Cas9:

Feature CRISPR CRISPR-Cas9
Components CRISPR is an umbrella term for a family of bacterial defense systems that utilize RNA-guided Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins. Cas9 is one of the enzymes in the Cas family. CRISPR-Cas9 is a specific genome editing system that comprises a guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas9 nuclease, which together form a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex.
Function CRISPR systems are essential for adaptive immunity in bacteria and archaea against invading viruses. CRISPR-Cas9 system is a programmable gene editing tool used in various fields, including biomedical research, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Gene Editing CRISPR systems can be reprogrammed to target desired DNA sequences using single-guide RNAs. CRISPR-Cas9 efficiently creates specific mutations at multiple loci using one sgRNA.
Targeting Cas9 protein targets a specific DNA sequence complementary to the guide RNA. CRISPR-Cas9 system can target both DNA and RNA for editing and cleavage purposes.

In summary, CRISPR is a family of bacterial defense systems, while CRISPR-Cas9 is a specific genome editing technology that utilizes the Cas9 enzyme and guide RNA to target and edit specific DNA sequences in a programmable manner.