The definitive guide to gene editing.
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Term · Editing

Double strand break

A cut through both strands of the DNA helix. Ordinary CRISPR makes these deliberately; base and prime editing were invented to avoid them.

Written by The CRISPR Atlas editorial team Last updated Aug 25, 2026
Educational information only This page is a reference, not medical advice. Research and regulatory status change; check the last-updated date above and confirm anything important against the primary sources listed.