A gene editing technology that can make precise changes in DNA to treat genetic diseases and improve crops. Discovered by Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid; a double-stranded molecule that contains the genetic instructions for development, function, growth, and reproduction.

The basic building block of DNA, made of deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.

The pair of chromosomes that determine sex (XX for female, XY for male); the Y chromosome carries the SRY gene.

A gene located on the Y chromosome that triggers male development (formation of testis)

The 22 pairs of chromosomes (non-sex chromosomes) that control body traits in humans

A structure made of DNA and histone proteins that carries genes; humans have 46 chromosomes.

Protein molecules around which DNA winds to form nucleosomes, which coil into chromosomes.

A DNA segment wrapped around a histone octamer; the basic unit of DNA packing in chromosomes.

Each half of a duplicated chromosome, connected by a centromere.