2 ms·

This is an inaccurate understanding of CRISPR, which is not yet at the point where zero off-target effects can be expected. That is an important aspect of this

This is an inaccurate understanding of CRISPR, which is not yet at the point where zero off-target effects can be expected. That is an important aspect of this discussion.

hackinthebochs 8y ago
But if the off-target effect is random, then its not really any worse off than an unmodified embryo, with around 30 random mutations naturally. Of course, the actual numbers matter but in principle this isn't a worse situation.
- carbocation 8y ago
  > But if the off-target effect is random, then its not really any worse off than an unmodified embryo, with around 30 random mutations naturally. Of course, the actual numbers matter but in principle this isn't a worse situation. There is strong evidence that high mutation rates are selected against, to the point that some have speculated that driving down mutation rate is one of the key functions of selection[1]. Point being that increasing the number of germline variants is an extremely important consideration. The fact that the underlying biological replication mechanisms are not 100% perfect does not alter this point, and certainly doesn't mean that when you artificially increase the number of mutations that "this isn't a worse situation". 1 = https://www.nature.com/articles/nrg.2016.104 https://www.nature.com/articles/nrg.2016.104