CRISPR, short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a revolutionary tool in genetic engineering that allows scientists to edit DNA with precision. It works by utilizing a guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to specific locations in the genome, where it can cut the DNA and enable modifications. This technology has vast applications, from agriculture to medicine, including potential treatments for genetic disorders. By harnessing the natural defense mechanisms of bacteria against viruses, CRISPR has opened new avenues for research and innovation, making it a cornerstone of modern biotechnology.