Year 10 Science · Unit 1 · Lesson 9
Foundation Worksheet
Learning Goals
Match each term to its definition
Draw a line connecting each term on the left to its correct definition on the right. Or write the matching letter next to each term.
| Term | Your answer | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| CRISPR-Cas9 | A. Changes DNA in sperm, eggs or embryos, changes can be inherited by future generations. | |
| Guide RNA | B. An unintended DNA change at a location other than the intended cut site. | |
| Gene drive | C. A short RNA molecule designed to match a specific DNA target sequence, directing Cas9 to the correct location. | |
| Germline editing | D. A gene-editing tool using a guide molecule to find a DNA sequence and an enzyme to cut it at that exact site. | |
| Somatic editing | E. A genetic system engineered to spread a trait through a wild population at a faster-than-normal rate. | |
| Off-target effect | F. Changes DNA in body cells only, affects the individual but cannot be passed to offspring. |
True or False? Fix the false ones
Circle T or F for each statement. If the statement is false, rewrite it correctly on the line below.
CRISPR-Cas9 was developed from scratch by scientists in a laboratory in the 1990s.
Correct it:
Germline editing changes that are made to an embryo can be inherited by the edited person's future children.
Correct it:
In 2023 the first CRISPR-based medicine was approved for treating sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia.
Correct it:
CRISPR is less precise than older gene editing methods because it uses a protein enzyme rather than RNA to find the target.
Correct it:
1. In simple terms, describe the roles of the guide RNA and the Cas9 protein in the CRISPR gene editing process.
2. He Jiankui, a Chinese scientist, edited human embryos in 2018 and was sentenced to prison. State one specific reason why the international scientific community condemned his actions.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what makes CRISPR different from earlier methods of genetic modification?