Question

What are Restriction enzymes?

Answer 1

Enzymes that are used to cut DNA segment at a specific site. These enzymes act as molecular scissors, chopping up DNA into pieces. Bacteria produce restriction enzymes to protect themselves from viral pathogens as it destroys pieces of foreign DNA. Discovery of restriction enzymes smoothed the way for molecular genetic engineering.

Answer 2

1. Restriction enzymes are known as molecular scissors, because it is used to cut specific sequences at specific site.

2. It is widely used in molecular labs. It is classified under endonuclease enzyme means it cuts more than 3 - 4 sequences.

3. It is divided into 3 types, type 1 RE, type 2 RE and type 3 RE.

4. Type 2 is most widely used enzyme, because it cuts more than 9 - 10bp at specific site. It requires ATP, NADP and acetyl coA as its co-factor.