To understand CRISPR, students must first know what DNA is. DNA is the molecule of life, carrying the genetic instructions that determine how living organisms grow, function and reproduce. Genes are like “sentences” in this code, each providing instructions for a specific protein.

But sometimes mistakes happen. A faulty gene can cause a serious disease, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anaemia. For decades, scientists have dreamed of correcting these mistakes directly at the DNA level.

CRISPR-Cas9 makes this dream possible. It is a tool adapted from a natural defence system in bacteria, in which the CRISPR sequence helps bacteria remember and fight viruses. Scientists discovered that they could use this system to cut DNA exactly where they wanted.

This is how CRISPR works:

A guide RNA is created that matches the DNA sequence to be modified.The Cas9 protein acts like a pair of scissors to cut the DNA at that point.

The cell naturally repairs the DNA: scientists can guide this repair to remove, replace or correct the gene.

Key facts to highlight:

Students need to understand clearly and visually:

  • How DNA is made.
  • How CRISPR “finds” the right spot in the DNA.
  • What happens during the cutting and repair process.
  • CRISPR is fast, precise and relatively inexpensive.
  • It has already been tested on plants, animals and human cells.
  • There are ethical debates about its use, especially on humans.

This prepares them for interactive augmented reality activities.