gene editing

noun

variants or genome editing

: the use of biotechnological techniques to make changes to specific DNA sequences in the genome of a living organism

Fundamental research into the ways by which bacteria defend themselves against viruses has recently led to the development of powerful new techniques that make it possible to perform gene editing—that is, precisely altering genetic sequences—in living cells, including those of humans, at much higher accuracy and efficiency than ever before possible.

—David Baltimore et al.

The era of straightforward genome editing raises ethical questions that will need to be addressed by scientists and society at large.

—Jennifer A. Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier

—often hyphenated when used before another noun

a gene-editing technique called CRISPR

Examples of gene editing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Taylor Wilson: So, Karen, how does this compare with previous gene editing approaches? —Sara Ganim, USA TODAY, 1 July 2024

To show this was potentially useful for gene editing, the researchers blocked the production of the transposon's own RNA and fed it a replacement RNA that worked. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 26 June 2024

Genetic modification is also more effective than gene editing at making herbicide-resistant crops, which improves weed control and increases yields. —Emma Kovak, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2021

These cultures were then exposed to SORT particles carrying gene editing components. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above