[Campbell Biology P.410] According to Figure 17.28, what is the role of the guide RNA in the... | Practice Question

According to Figure 17.28, what is the role of the guide RNA in the CRISPR-Cas9 system during the initial stages of gene editing?

  • A: It possesses active sites that directly cut the DNA of the target gene.
  • B: It acts as a template for synthesizing the correct gene sequence after DNA is broken.
  • C: It binds to the Cas9 protein and then directs the complex to a specific complementary sequence on the target gene.
  • D: It randomly inserts or deletes nucleotides to make the target gene nonfunctional.

Explanation

Figure 17.28 clearly labels the guide RNA as 'engineered to "guide" the Cas9 protein to a target gene' and states that 'the complementary sequence of the guide RNA binds to part of the target gene' Step 1 and 2 . This demonstrates its role in directing the Cas9 complex to the specific DNA site for cutting.