Which molecular biotechnology is depicted in the image shown below:

INI-CET EXAM -2026

Pathology & Genetics (E5)

Easy

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

The image provided is a flowchart explicitly titled 'CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Process.'.
The diagram illustrates the key components of this technology: a guide RNA (sgRNA) that directs the Cas9 enzyme to a specific DNA target.
The Cas9 enzyme functions as 'molecular scissors' to create a double-strand break in the DNA.
The flowchart shows the two possible outcomes after the DNA is cut: gene disruption via Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or precise gene editing via Homology-directed repair (HDR).

Option A: Microarray analysis is a high-throughput method used to measure the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously, not to edit them.
Option B: In situ hybridization (ISH) is a technique used to visualize and locate a specific DNA or RNA sequence within a cell or tissue sample using a labeled probe. It is for detection, not editing.
Option D: DNA sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (A, T, C, G) within a DNA molecule. It reads the genetic code, it does not alter it.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing process from a flowchart as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
CRISPR-Cas9 holds immense therapeutic potential for treating single-gene genetic disorders like sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington's disease by correcting the underlying mutations.
In oncology, it is used to engineer immune cells (like T-cells) to better recognize and attack cancer cells, forming the basis of some advanced cancer therapies.
What if the cell lacked the necessary enzymes for Homology-Directed Repair (HDR)? In that case, even if a repair template DNA was provided, the cell would default to the more common Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) pathway. This would likely result in gene disruption (knock-out) rather than the intended precise gene correction (knock-in).

How to Approach the Question

Begin by reading the title of the flowchart. The title is 'CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Process,' which directly points to the correct answer.
Scan the key terms within the flowchart, such as 'Cas9/sgRNA,' 'cleaves target DNA,' 'Double-strand DNA break,' 'Non-homologous end joining,' and 'Homology-directed repair.'
Recognize that these terms are specific to the CRISPR-Cas9 system, a well-known gene-editing tool.
Evaluate the options provided. Option C, 'CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system,' is a perfect match for the information identified in the image.
Briefly consider the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Recall that microarray is for gene expression, in situ hybridization is for locating genes, and DNA sequencing is for reading the genetic code. None of these involve editing genes in the manner shown.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing process from a flowchart.
Stem keywords: molecular biotechnology, image, depicted
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: Flowchart
Clinical cues: CRISPR-Cas9

QL4WXYBRAGuj4vtXdLBhL7

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 17-19

E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 240-463 of 478) p. 45-47