Plant Genome Editing Tools

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

• Researchers from ICAR-National Rice Research Institute and Pennsylvania State University developed a smaller alternative called ISDra2TnpB.

Details:

• Recent advancements in plant genome editing have opened new avenues for agricultural innovation.
• A collaborative effort between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Pennsylvania State University has led to the development of a novel tool that is compact enough to edit plant genomes.

About ISDra2TnpB

Protein	ISDra2TnpB, a specialized protein from Deinococcus radiodurans.
Size	~400 amino acids, less than half the size of Cas9 or Cas12.
Function	Precisely cuts DNA, useful for gene editing.
Suitability	Better suited for plant cells, tested with 33.58% efficiency in rice and Arabidopsis.
RNA-Guided	Uses RNA to guide DNA cutting at specific sites.
Family	Part of the TnpB family, linked to "jumping genes" (transposons).
Jumping Genes	DNA sequences that move within genomes; can disrupt genes or contribute to evolution.
Potential in Medicine	Corrects faulty genes, potential for future medical treatments.
Guide RNA Source	Derived from the right element (RE) of the transposon.

About Genome Editing

• Genome editing involves making precise changes to the DNA of an organism.
• In plants, this can be used to enhance desirable traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
• Traditional breeding methods are time-consuming and less precise. Genome editing offers a faster and more accurate alternative.

The New Tool

• The new genome editing tool developed by ICAR and Penn State University is significantly smaller than conventional tools.
• This compact size allows it to be easily delivered into plant cells.
• The tool leverages CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which acts like molecular scissors, cutting the DNA at specific locations to introduce beneficial traits.

About CRISPR-Cas9

• CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary genome editing technology that allows precise modification of DNA sequences within cells.
• CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and Cas (CRISPR-associated) proteins were initially discovered as a bacterial immune system against viruses.
• CRISPR-Cas9 has widespread applications in genetic research, biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine.

FOR DETAILED ANALYSIS VISIT- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/crispr-cas9-and-inherited-blindness#:~:text=CRISPR%2DCas9%20is%20a%20revolutionary,bacterial%20immune%20system%20against%20viruses.

Advantages of Compact Genome Editing Tools

• Precision and Accuracy: The compact tool can target specific genes with high precision, reducing off-target effects and ensuring that only the desired changes are made.
• Efficiency: Its small size enhances its efficiency, making it easier to penetrate plant cells and deliver genetic modifications quickly.
• Versatility: This tool can be used across various plant species, broadening its applicability in different agricultural contexts.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The use of a more efficient and precise tool reduces the cost of genome editing, making it more accessible for widespread agricultural

Applications in Agriculture

• Crop Improvement: The ability to edit plant genomes precisely allows for the development of crops with improved yield, nutritional quality, and resistance to diseases and pests.
• Climate Resilience: Genome editing can create crops that are more resilient to climate change, such as those that can withstand extreme temperatures, drought, or flooding.
• Sustainable Farming: By enhancing traits like pest resistance, genome editing reduces the need for chemical pesticides, promoting more sustainable farming practices.

Conclusion

• Plant genome editing tools, especially the new compact version developed by ICAR and Penn State University, represent a major advancement in agricultural biotechnology.
• These tools offer precise, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for crop improvement, climate resilience, and sustainable farming.
• As we move forward, careful regulation and ethical considerations will ensure that these technologies benefit humanity while safeguarding the environment.

READ ABOUT- DNA STRUCTURE- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/10000-genome-project-completed#:~:text=DNA%20is%20organized%20into%20chromosomes,one%20pair%20of%20sex%20chromosomes.

Reference

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/icar-penn-state-team-makes-tool-small-enough-to-edit-plant-genomes/article68549229.ece

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The terms ISDra2TnpB and TnpB were recently in news, they are related to which among the following options? A. Space Technology B. Medical Research C. Agricultural Research D. Genetic Engineering Answer: D IPV does not carry a risk of causing vaccine-derived polio because it uses a killed virus.