The CRISPR-Cas9 system consists of two main components: the Cas9 protein and a guide RNA (gRNA). The gRNA is designed to match a specific DNA sequence in the genome. When the gRNA binds to its target DNA sequence, the Cas9 protein acts as a catalyst to create a double-strand break in the DNA. This break can then be repaired by the cell's natural repair mechanisms, allowing for the insertion, deletion, or modification of genetic material.
