How does CRISPR gene editing actually modify DNA?

CRISPR is like a super precise pair of scissors that can cut and change parts of our DNA, just like you might fix a broken toy by taking it apart and putting it back together.

Imagine your DNA is like a long string of letters, and each letter helps tell the body how to grow or work. Sometimes there's a typo in those letters, which can cause problems, like when a toy doesn't work because one piece is wrong.

CRISPR has two main parts: a guide and the scissors. The guide finds the exact spot on the DNA string that needs fixing, just like you find the right piece in your toy box. Once it’s there, the scissors cut out the typo or bad part.

Then, if we want to add a new letter or fix it, we can put in a new piece, kind of like swapping one broken toy piece with a working one. The body then fixes the string and uses the new letters to make the right toy again!

This means scientists can help people grow healthier or even cure diseases by fixing those typos in the DNA string.