Restriction Enzyme

A Restriction Enzyme (pronounced: rɪˈstrɪkʃən ˈɛnzaɪm), also known as a restriction endonuclease, is a type of Enzyme that cleaves DNA into fragments at or near specific recognition sites within the molecule known as Restriction sites. These enzymes are found in Bacteria and Archaea and provide a defense mechanism against invading viruses.

Etymology

The term "Restriction Enzyme" originates from the concept of 'restriction' and 'enzyme'. 'Restriction' refers to the enzyme's ability to restrict the action of a virus, while 'enzyme' is a type of protein that speeds up biochemical reactions.

Function

Restriction Enzymes recognize and bind to specific sequences of DNA, typically 4-8 base pairs in length, and cleave the DNA at these sites. The resulting fragments can be of various lengths and can be used in laboratory procedures such as Cloning and Gel electrophoresis.

Types

There are three main types of Restriction Enzymes: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Type I and III enzymes cut the DNA at random locations, a certain distance away from their recognition sequence, while Type II enzymes cut within or at close proximity to their recognition sequences.

Related Terms

DNA ligase: An enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands together.
Plasmid: A small, circular piece of DNA that is different than the chromosomal DNA, which is capable of replicating independently.
Vector: A DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Restriction Enzyme
Wikipedia's article - Restriction Enzyme

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski

Restriction Enzyme