Which process is commonly associated with CRISPR technology?

The process most commonly associated with CRISPR technology is the editing and modification of DNA sequences. CRISPR, which stands for "Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats," is a revolutionary tool in biotechnology that allows scientists to make precise changes to the genetic material of organisms.

This technology employs a guide RNA that is complementary to the specific DNA sequence of interest, along with a Cas9 enzyme that acts as molecular scissors to cut the DNA at the targeted location. Once the DNA is cut, the cell's natural repair mechanisms can either insert, delete, or modify the genetic sequences at that site. This ability to edit DNA with high specificity and efficiency has made CRISPR one of the most significant advancements in genetics, with applications ranging from gene therapy to agriculture.

In contrast, the other processes listed involve different aspects of molecular biology. The transcription of RNA relates to the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, while replication of genetic material refers to the process of copying DNA during cell division. Translation of proteins involves the synthesis of proteins from an RNA template. None of these processes directly involve the targeted editing of DNA sequences in the manner that CRISPR technology does.