NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
What are sticky ends in DNA?
Options
- ASingle stranded portions at the ends of the DNA
- BDouble stranded portions at the ends of the DNA
- COverhanging stretches at the ends of the DNA
- DNone of the above
Correct answer
C. Overhanging stretches at the ends of the DNA
Step-by-step solution
Restriction enzymes cut the strand of DNA a little away from the center of the palindrome sites, but between the same two bases on the opposite strands. This leaves single stranded portions at the ends. There are overhanging stretches called sticky ends on each strand. These are named so because they form hydrogen bonds with their complementary cut counterparts. This stickiness of the ends facilitates the action of the enzyme DNA ligase. Restriction endonucleases are used in genetic engineering to form ‘recombinant