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CRISPR Plasmids: Cut


Fully functional Cas enzymes will introduce a double-strand break (DSB) at a specific location based on a gRNA-defined target sequence. DSBs are preferentially repaired in the cell by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), a mechanism which frequently causes insertions or deletions (indels) in the DNA. Indels often lead to frameshifts, creating loss of function alleles.

To introduce specific genomic changes, researchers use DNA repair templates with homology to the DNA flanking the DSB and a specific edit close to the gRNA PAM site. When a repair template is present, the cell may repair a DSB using homology-directed repair (HDR) instead of NHEJ. In most experimental systems, HDR occurs at a much lower efficiency than NHEJ.

CRISPR Cut illustration depicts complex formation, target binding, and double-strand break formation (target cleavage). Repair of the break by nonhomologus end-joining joins the ends together with minimal processing and results in insertions and deletions, which can lead to frameshift mutations. If a repair template is present with homologous arms and a desired genomic edit close to the PAM site, homology-dependent repair can copy template sequence into the break site resulting in a precise edit.
Figure 1: Overview of NHEJ and HDR following cleavage by Cas9.

Browse, sort, or search the tables below for CRISPR plasmids designed to introduce a DSB. To learn more about NHEJ, HDR, and other CRISPR topics, read our CRISPR Guide.

Mammalian

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Bacteria

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Drosophila

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Plant

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C. elegans

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Yeast

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Zebrafish

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Xenopus

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Parasite

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CRISPR Resources

Addgene has a large selection of CRISPR plasmids and resources. Find more CRISPR functions along with plasmids categorized by organism by visiting our CRISPR plasmids page. Find a comprehensive list of CRISPR resources by visiting our CRISPR reference page.


Content last reviewed on: 17 October 2025.

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