A cloning vector has been cut with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI. To successfully create a recombinant plasmid, the foreign DNA fragment must be cut with ___(i)___ to generate ___(ii)___ ends, which are then joined by the enzyme ___(iii)___. Select the correct combination of terms to fill the blanks (i), (ii) and (iii).

Step-by-step solution

To create a recombinant plasmid, both the cloning vector and the source (foreign) DNA must be cut with the same restriction endonuclease. Since the vector was cut with EcoRI, the foreign DNA must also be cut with EcoRI (i). Using the same restriction enzyme ensures that both DNA molecules have compatible and complementary overhanging stretches, known as sticky ends (ii). EcoRI specifically produces sticky ends, not blunt ends. These complementary sticky ends can form hydrogen bonds with their counterparts. The fina