science
The Oddball Protein in the CRISPR World
December 27, 2025
In the microscopic world, bacteria and viruses are locked in a constant fight. Bacteria have a defense mechanism called CRISPR-Cas, which acts like a shield against viruses. But viruses, or phages, have developed counterattacks. They produce proteins called anti-CRISPRs (Acr) to weaken this defense.