NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
What is the main function of restriction enzymes?
Options
- ATo add methyl groups to DNA
- BTo cut DNA
- CTo recognise specific sequences of base pairs
- DTo restrict the growth of bacteriophage
Correct answer
B. To cut DNA
Step-by-step solution
The first restriction endonuclease–Hind II, whose functioning depended on a specific DNA nucleotide sequence was isolated and characterized five years later. It was found that Hind II always cut DNA molecules at a particular point by recognizing a specific sequence of six base pairs. This specific base sequence is known as the recognition sequence for Hind II. Besides Hind II, today we know more than 900 restriction enzymes that have been isolated from over 230 strains of bacteria each of which recognize different