Question

Describe the function of restriction enzymes. Give an example.

Answer 1

A restriction enzyme is an enzyme that cuts DNA after recognizing a specific sequence of DNA. You can think of restriction enzymes as molecular scissors. Scientists can use restriction enzymes to cut a single gene from a larger piece of DNA. Restriction enzymes evolved in bacteria.

Answer 2

Restriction enzyme. Restriction enzyme, also called restriction endonuclease, a protein produced by bacteria that cleaves DNA at specific sites along the molecule. In the bacterial cell, restriction enzymes cleave foreign DNA, thus eliminating infecting organisms.