glossary

Double-strand break (DSB)

Image of a double stranded break in the center of a blue DNA helix.

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When both strands of DNA are broken, two free ends are created. May be made intentionally by a tool such as Cas9. Cells repair their DNA to prevent cell death, sometimes changing the DNA sequence at the site of the break. Initiating or controlling this process with the intent to alter a DNA sequence is known as genome engineering.

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