A virologist uses CRISPR-Cas13 to target viral RNA and finds that each guide RNA can degrade 8 viral RNA strands, but efficiency drops by 10% after each cycle due to immune response. After 5 cycles, how many total viral strands can one guide RNA degrade, assuming cumulative effectiveness?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:23:27 +0000

**A virologist uses CRISPR-Cas13 to target viral RNA and finds that each guide RNA can degrade 8 viral RNA strands, but efficiency drops by 10% after each cycle due to immune response. After 5 cycles, how many total viral strands can one guide RNA degrade, assuming cumulative effectiveness?** As viral diseases remain a central focus in public health and scientific innovation, recent breakthroughs using CRISPR-Cas13 have drawn growing attention. Researchers are exploring how this powerful gene-editing tool can target and dismantle viral RNA to combat infections—particularly relevant amid rising awareness of viral threats and advancements in precision medicine. Understanding the true degradation capacity of CRISPR-Cas13 across multiple cycles reveals both promise and biological limits. Early studies show each guide RNA effectively targets and destroys 8 viral RNA strands initially, but efficiency declines by 10% per cycle due to the body’s immune response. This gradual drop means performance isn’t constant—iteration and timing become key. ### How Does the Efficiency Drop Impact Total Degradation?