How do different types of CRISPR compare? Find out in our Primer!

10 microbial cells: 9 have CRISPR systems icons, and 10th is empty, with a phage on it. Of cells with CRISPR systems, 2 cells have a Type II Cas9 system, 3 have a Type I system, 1 has a Type III system, and 2 have both a Type I and Type III system.

CRISPR systems are far more diverse than just the Type II CRISPR-Cas9 systems that have become famous because of their use in gene editing tools. They vary in their components, what types of nucleic acids they target, and more. It can be hard to keep track of the difference and similarities between even the most common systems, so we created a Comparisons page in our CRISPR Primer.

Check it out to compare and contrast key aspects of the most common types of CRISPR systems!

The page covers Distribution & Diversity, Complex Composition, Surveillance & Targeting, and an overview of the Interference Process, for Type I, II, and III systems.

And if you want to dive in deeper to each type, check out our Interference and Tools pages!

Sarah Studerprimer