What is the main purpose of CRISPR technology?

The primary purpose of CRISPR technology is to edit genes with precision. CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a revolutionary tool that allows scientists to make specific alterations to the DNA of organisms. This technology employs a guide RNA to lead the Cas9 enzyme to a specific sequence of DNA where cuts can be made. Once the DNA is cut, the cell's repair mechanisms can be harnessed to insert or delete genetic material, resulting in targeted genetic modifications.

This precision in gene editing has significant implications, including correcting genetic defects, treating diseases, and improving crops. While sequencing entire genomes or monitoring biological processes are important scientific efforts, they do not capture the core function of CRISPR technology, which is fundamentally about precise genetic alteration. Additionally, although improving crop yields can be an outcome of applying gene editing, that is merely a specific application rather than the overarching purpose of CRISPR itself. Therefore, the clarity and focus on the capability of CRISPR to enable precise gene editing is what makes it a groundbreaking development in genetic engineering.