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Abstract

CRISPR-Cas9 technology has revolutionized molecular biology and gene editing by offering a precise, efficient, and cost-effective method for modifying genetic material. Discovered in bacteria as a defense mechanism against viral infections, CRISPR-Cas9 allows for targeted genome editing by creating double-strand breaks in DNA, which are then repaired by the cell’s natural mechanisms. This breakthrough has transformed research in genetics, medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. CRISPR’s simplicity and versatility enable researchers to perform gene knockouts, insertions, and modifications with unprecedented accuracy, offering therapeutic potential for genetic diseases and cancer. Moreover, CRISPR is rapidly expanding into fields such as synthetic biology and agriculture, improving crop yields and providing new opportunities for drug development. Despite its immense promise, CRISPR-Cas9 faces ethical and technical challenges, particularly in germline editing and unintended genetic consequences. This paper explores the transformative role of CRISPR-Cas9 in molecular biology, its applications, current limitations, and the future directions of gene editing technology.