Which enzyme cuts DNA?

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Question: Which enzyme cuts DNA?

Answer:

  • Restriction endonucleases, also known as restriction enzymes, are responsible for cutting DNA molecules at specific recognition sites.
  • These enzymes are naturally occurring in bacteria and are used as a defense mechanism against invading viral DNA.
  • Restriction enzymes recognize specific DNA sequences and cleave the DNA at those sites.
  • Examples of commonly used restriction enzymes include
  • EcoRI
  • HindIII
  • BamHI
  • These enzymes are named after the bacteria from which they were initially isolated.
EnzymeRestriction Enzymes
FunctionRecognize specific DNA sequences and cleave the DNA at or near those sites
TypesHundreds of different restriction enzymes with unique recognition sequences
Cleavage PatternsCan produce either blunt ends or sticky ends upon DNA cleavage
Recognition SitesEnzymes have specific recognition sequences of 4 to 8 base pairs
Sticky EndsDNA is cut in a staggered manner, leaving short overhanging single-stranded regions
PalindromicRecognition sequences are often palindromic (read the same forward and backward)
DNA ManipulationAllow for the precise manipulation of DNA molecules by inserting, deleting, or rearranging specific DNA sequences
Commercial AvailabilityRestriction enzymes are commercially available from various suppliers
IsoschizomersDifferent enzymes that recognize the same recognition sequence
Methylation SensitivitySome restriction enzymes are sensitive to DNA methylation, while others are not
StorageRestriction enzymes are typically stored at low temperatures, often at -20°C or -80°C
ApplicationsWidely used in molecular biology techniques, such as DNA cloning, genetic engineering, and DNA analysis

Important Questions about Enzymes

  1. Enzymes MCQs
  2. Inhibition in enzymes
  3. Which enzyme digests starch?
  4. Which enzyme digests protein?
  5. which enzyme is present in saliva?
  6. Which enzyme is not present in succus entericus?
  7. Which enzyme breaks down protein in the stomach?
  8. Which enzyme converts fibrinogen to fibrin?
  9. Which enzyme converts glucose into alcohol?
  10. Which enzyme digests fat?
  11. Which enzyme digests milk protein?
  12. Which enzyme is used in PCR?
  13. Which enzyme unzips the DNA double helix?
  14. Which liver enzyme increases with alcohol?
  15. Which enzyme cuts DNA?
  16. Which enzyme catalyzes the first step of glycolysis?
  17. Which enzyme binds DNA fragments together?
  18. Which enzyme transcribes DNA into RNA?
  19. which enzyme adds new nucleotides?
  20. Which enzyme digests cellulose?
  21. Which enzyme separates the two strands of DNA?
  22. Which enzyme converts carbohydrates into glucose?
  23. Which enzyme removes RNA primer?
  24. Which enzymes help in digestion?
  25. Which enzyme works best in acidic conditions?
  26. Which enzyme synthesizes tRNA?
  27. Which enzyme secreted by pancreas?
  28. Which enzyme converts maltose into glucose?
  29. Which vitamins work as coenzyme?