Which gene editing tool is known for enabling precise cuts in DNA?

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Study for the HOSA Human Heredity Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations provided for each. Prepare effectively for your upcoming exam!

The gene editing tool known for enabling precise cuts in DNA is CRISPR/Cas9. This revolutionary technology utilizes a guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to specific locations within the DNA sequence, allowing for targeted modifications. When the Cas9 enzyme arrives at the DNA sequence it is programmed to locate, it creates a double-strand break in the DNA. Following this cut, the cell's natural repair mechanisms can be harnessed to introduce specific changes, such as gene insertion, deletion, or modification. This ability to edit genes at precise locations makes CRISPR/Cas9 a powerful tool in genetic research, medicine, and biotechnology.

In contrast, the other choices represent different concepts. Antiviral vectors are used primarily for delivering genes into cells as part of gene therapy, but they do not provide the precise editing capability of CRISPR. DNA fingerprinting is a technique used for identifying individuals based on their unique DNA patterns, rather than editing genes. Biotechnology encompasses a broad range of practices involving biological systems but does not refer specifically to gene editing tools. Thus, CRISPR/Cas9 stands out as the specific technology designed for precise gene editing through targeted DNA cuts.

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