Application of CRISPR-cas technique in enhancing the phytochemicals production

Abstract

Plants possess a remarkable skill in the generation of secondary metabolites, which are commonly referred to as phytochemicals. These bioactive molecules are non-nutritive and essential for the growth and expansion of plants. However, these phytochemicals play a critical role in plant resistance against both biotic and abiotic stress. Furthermore, they possess a vast array of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical properties, making them commercially and economically significant. Unfortunately, the synthesis of these compounds is not abundant and can be challenging to extract through a cumbersome chemically synthetic process that is both inefficient and expensive. Fortunately, second-generation CRISPR/Cas technology has proven to be a gateway to enhancing the production of phytochemicals due to its simplicity, efficiency, and target specificity. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to discuss the mechanistic role of CRISPR/Cas9, its application in base editing, and its ability to enhance the production of phytochemicals. © 2024 Bentham Science Publishers. All rights reserved.