Introduction
There are several issues that humanity is currently confronting worldwide. Humanity faces a number of problems, including chronic human illnesses and low crop and livestock production. Many times have been recounted in which scientists have attempted to find solutions to these problems. One such method that has been proposed and is still being tested is CRISPR gene editing. It is thought that if used, it can both treat and prevent illnesses. The disease-causing genes are altered and deleted to achieve this. The same can be used, among other things, to raise the caliber of livestock and crop productions. This essay addresses CRISPR gene editing, how it works, how it gets edited, its benefits to humans, its advantages and disadvantages, and its future.CRISPR
CRISPR is a major tool in the world of genetic engineering that is fast advancing. This is the genome editing equipment that has since been developed courtesy of technology and the dire need to modify human genes (Josephson & Auerbach, 2007). CRISPR gene editing therefore refers to the process by which the human and other living organisms’ tissues and organs are subjected to modification (González, 2016). This is basically aimed at improving their performance or healing chronic ailments permanently. This is an innovation whose time has come and therefore there are massive changes that are taking place in the families and societies as a whole (Li & Sirois, 2015). The people in the world should embrace this change and take it as a major step in the right directions as far as medical advancement is concerned. They should take it positively and support it to improve quality of life.How CRISPR Works
CRISPR gene editing is an engineering process that majorly relies on technology and specialized laboratory process (Prediger, 2015). It is handled by highly qualified specialists. The cas9 or the molecular scissors presence in the system of a gene enables the process to run smoothly. According to Prediger (2015) the CRISPR is changed into smaller RNAs that are efficiently managed during the process until a desired DNA is identified and targeted by the system (p. 18). After this, the cas9 then joins itself to the DNA, shutting the targeted genes off. This process of late has been very vital in the field of modification and improvement of genes (Li & Sirois, 2015). For example, in the study and improvement of the male reproductive organ, this has been so important in healing diseases that are connected to the organ. Also, it had led to improved quality of sperms and the ovum.How the Gene Gets Edited
In recent years, CRISPR has proved to the cheapest and the most efficient way of editing genes. In the process of gene editing, the poor quality and faulty genes are modified or replaced by the viable and healthy ones that are more productive (Liu et al, 2015). Due to the RNA ribonucleic acid in CRISPR, it’s very accurate in finding the target DNA in the faulty gene and cutting it (Li & Sirois, 2015). In the process, it modifies it or replaces it altogether for a more general improvement. The CRISPR bonds with the cas9 and results in a more improved version that is used to treat chronic diseases in humans (Liu et al, 2015).How CRISPR Is Used in an Organism
CRISPR is mostly used in organisms and less in humans since it is still being experimented in numerous occasions. It is believed to have disastrous effects on the target if the process backfires (Shinkai, 2014). The CRISPR process is used to modify the undesirable genes in organisms. The main components in the CRISPR which are the cas9 and the RNAs bond to the target DNA in the organism (Shinkai, 2014). They cut it and shutter the genes of the DNA. The protein repair process kicks off and there, making the DNA harmless to it and others such as humans. The organism in question can be the bacteria or fungi that are mostly harmful to humans and other living organisms. The situation thus improves due to the CRISPR gene editing that takes place. The process is quite vital in the present-day society. This is because some of the most stubborn bacteria are put in control and therefore reducing their effects on humans (González, 2016).Example of CRISPR Uses
CRISPR gene editing has numerous uses in society; it is majorly applied in the medical field where it is used to control some chronic diseases such as cancer (Dixon, 2012). It has also been employed in the treatment and prevention of reproductive problems in humans, especially in men. It improves the quality of the sperms and the egg and therefore a healthier reproductive system in humans (Shinkai, 2014). The technology is also employed in alleviating genetic disorders in animals. This can further be applied to humans in the future to treat problems of blood and eyes. This will be a major step accomplished in the medical field. The knowledge of gene editing is also used in improving crops and livestock (Li & Sirois, 2015). This is done through modifying the genes to be less vulnerable to some diseases that affect them and lower their quality and production in general. Therefore, gene editing knowledge and its application in society have improved life, and big hopes are there since more tests and advancements are still underway (González, 2016). If they succeed and are approved to be very safe for every human, there will be light in the medical field.How CRISPR Benefits Humans
CRISPR knowledge has benefited human beings in a great way. Improved quality of livestock and crops has improved the lives of people. This has led to enough food and minimal losses due to crop and livestock diseases. Genetically modified seeds are all over and easily accessed by human beings. Therefore, this has minimized the cost of purchasing pesticides and other medications for the medication of crops and livestock (Liu et al, 2015). The knowledge has also been used to alleviate disorders in reproduction, which has led to a healthy sex life among people. It has improved the quality of sperms and the ovum, which has eventually led to quality implantation, pregnancy, and birth, thus reducing the infant mortality rate.In recent times, it’s reported that there has been a successful test of the CRISPR gene editing in controlling chronic ailments such as cancer. This is a relief to cancer patients and their families since the cost of medication has been too high (Hampshire, 2016). Besides this, there has been successful application of this knowledge in the treatment of animals that inherited liver diseases. This has minimized losses due to the death of livestock that have this condition. Generally, this knowledge and its application in the present-day society are of great benefit. It has improved health, minimized cases of death, and improved the quality and standards of life.Advantages and Disadvantages of CRISPR
CRISPR gene editing has both advantages and disadvantages for human beings. The advantages are that the CRISPR knowledge is applied to control a number of diseases at once. This is unlike other vaccines that are only used to prevent a specified illness (Zhang, Wen & Guo, 2014). The process, if properly conducted, erases all the disease-causing agents, therefore addressing many diseases at once. It improves health and minimizes vulnerability to illness. If well conducted by specialists, it is a sure way of healing chronic ailments in humans, irrespective of age, gender, and race. Treatment takes a short time since it only involves modifying the DNA using the RNAs and the cas9 (Zhang et al, 2014). If successful, it’s a sure way of eradicating the ailment in minimal time.Besides the advantages, the process has several disadvantages. The process takes time during testing and experimentation. Therefore, the patients or the required gene take time for it to be developed and used. Contacting gene modification is quite expensive. This is because the process requires specialized laboratory equipment that is quite expensive to purchase and establish (Zhang et al., 2014). The specialists who work on this also require extremely high pay that cannot be managed by a private citizen. According to policies in many countries around the world, this process is considered illegal and therefore not funded by the governments. In the United States of America, the federal government does not fund CRISPR gene editing experimentations (González, 2016). This leaves the load to private sponsors who strain to fund it. It is considered to be against the religion and culture of man (Stephanopoulos, 2012).It is also very dangerous at times if not carefully handled. Accidental cutting of the DNA that is similar to the real target by the RNAs and cas9 can lead to diverse conditions (González, 2016). Instead of solving the issue at hand, it can lead to another problem that is even worse and difficult to deal with. This makes it a technical process that can only be handled by qualified medical engineers who understand it better.The Future of CRISPR
The future of CRISPR is quite clear and bright. Despite objections based on culture and religions, its benefits outweigh them all. The benefits are solving human problems that have been a burden for long (Hampshire, 2016). Burdens in which culture and religion didn’t solve in the past. The CRISPR project is projected to sail even higher as more and more sponsors are coming to support and ensure its success. More researchers are joining the CRISPR team to work hand in hand in experimentation and finding lasting solutions to human problems (Hampshire, 2016).Conclusion
CRISPR gene editing knowledge is an important idea whose time is now. Despite objections by various quarters of society, it is fast thriving and its benefits are already evident. Its advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and therefore it should be embraced and supported for the improvement of the quality of human life. If supported by both private sponsors and governments, the idea can be developed to help many people around the globe. The world community will see light at the end of the tunnel.References
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