The CRISPR/Cas9 technology can be summed up by three simple steps: Recognition, Cleavage, Repair. 

More specifically, the Guide RNA directs the Cas protein to a specific region of DNA where it cleaves between the nucleotides in order to edit the genomes. 

• • Once the Cas proteins binds to and cuts the DNA, it shuts off the targeted gene, making it inactive. 

The Cas9 protein and gRNA can be delivered into the cells simultaneously using a plasmid-based encoding system. 

When the gRNA and Cas nuclease bind together, the complex is called a RNP (ribonucleoprotein) complex. 

• • For more efficient delivery, the RNP complexes are delivered directly to the cells of interest.