CRISPR-Cas System: A New Defense Against Parasites

Researchers have discovered a new function of the CRISPR-Cas system, commonly known as "genetic scissors," used in genetic engineering. Microorganisms, specifically archaea, utilize this system to defend against parasites. By analyzing the genetic material of microbes in the Earth's deep crust, the researchers found that archaea incorporate parasitic DNA into their genomes. When attacked by parasites with matching DNA, the CRISPR system recognizes and decomposes the foreign genetic material. This finding not only helps distinguish between beneficial symbionts and harmful parasites but also provides insights into important metabolic processes in ecosystems.