Restriction enzymes
Restriction Enzymes
Restriction enzymes, also known as restriction endonucleases (pronunciation: /rɪˈstrɪkʃən ˌɛndoʊnjuːˈkleɪz/), are a type of enzyme that cleave DNA at specific sequences. They are a fundamental tool in molecular biology and genetic engineering.
Etymology
The term "restriction enzyme" originates from the concept of "restriction-modification system", a system found in bacteria and archaea that restricts the entry of foreign DNA and modifies it to prevent its activity. The enzymes responsible for this restriction were thus named "restriction enzymes".
Function
Restriction enzymes recognize specific sequences in DNA, known as restriction sites, and cut the DNA at these sites. This ability to cut DNA at specific locations allows scientists to manipulate DNA for various purposes, such as cloning, gene sequencing, and genetic modification.
Types
There are three main types of restriction enzymes: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Each type has a different mechanism of action and recognizes different types of restriction sites.
- Type I restriction enzymes cut DNA at random locations that can be a significant distance away from their recognition site.
- Type II restriction enzymes, the most commonly used type in molecular biology, cut DNA at specific points within their recognition site.
- Type III restriction enzymes cut DNA a short distance away from their recognition site.
Related Terms
- DNA ligase: An enzyme that joins together DNA strands that have been cut by restriction enzymes.
- Plasmid: A small, circular piece of DNA that is often used as a vector in genetic engineering. Restriction enzymes are used to insert DNA into plasmids.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A technique used to amplify DNA. Restriction enzymes can be used to cut DNA into smaller fragments for PCR.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Restriction enzymes
- Wikipedia's article - Restriction enzymes
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