Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How can gene editing help scientists study the function of a gene?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
gene editing
The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing complex from the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes.
Gene editing allows scientists to study the function of a gene by making precise, targeted changes to an organism's DNA, enabling researchers to observe how these modifications affect the organism's traits or protein products.12
Scientists employ several key methods to investigate gene function:
- Inactivation (Knockout): By disabling or "knocking out" a specific gene, researchers can observe the resulting changes in an organism's phenotype. This helps reveal the gene's biological role and its potential involvement in disease.3
- Site-Directed Mutagenesis: Developed by Michael Smith, this technique allows for the introduction of specific mutations into a gene. By comparing the structure and function of the resulting altered protein to the natural version, scientists can dissect the relationship between a gene's sequence and its functional output.4
- CRISPR-Cas9: This highly precise technology enables researchers to remove, insert, or replace specific DNA sequences. By customizing the genetic sequence, scientists can modify gene expression or alter the structure of encoded proteins to study their effects in various models, including mice, plants, and cell cultures.125
These tools are essential for understanding mammalian physiology, developmental processes, and the underlying causes of human diseases.34