RESTRICTION NUCLEASE Meaning and
Definition
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A restriction endonuclease, also known as a restriction enzyme, is a type of protein molecule that is naturally produced by bacteria. It is widely utilized in molecular biology for its ability to recognize and cleave DNA at specific sites. The primary function of a restriction endonuclease is to protect the bacterial cell from foreign DNA, such as viral DNA, by cutting it into smaller fragments.
Restriction endonucleases are highly specific enzymes, as they recognize and bind to a particular DNA sequence known as the recognition sequence. This recognition sequence usually contains inverted repeats, which means the sequence reads the same in both the forward and backward directions. Once the restriction endonuclease recognizes and binds to its target recognition sequence, it causes a deep incision or cleavage in the DNA double helix.
There are different types of restriction endonucleases, with various recognition sequences and cleavage patterns. Some enzymes break the DNA strands directly across the recognition sequence, creating blunt ends. Others cleave the DNA strands in a staggered manner, generating fragments with sticky ends, or overhangs. These sticky ends can easily anneal to complementary sequences, making restriction endonucleases crucial tools for recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering, and DNA manipulation.
In summary, a restriction endonuclease is a specialized protein molecule that recognizes, binds to, and cleaves DNA at specific recognition sequences. Its ability to cut DNA with precision has revolutionized molecular biology by enabling scientists to manipulate DNA sequences, study gene expression, and create recombinant DNA molecules.
Common Misspellings for RESTRICTION NUCLEASE
- eestriction nuclease
- destriction nuclease
- festriction nuclease
- testriction nuclease
- 5estriction nuclease
- 4estriction nuclease
- rwstriction nuclease
- rsstriction nuclease
- rdstriction nuclease
- rrstriction nuclease
- r4striction nuclease
- r3striction nuclease
- reatriction nuclease
- reztriction nuclease
- rextriction nuclease
- redtriction nuclease
- reetriction nuclease
- rewtriction nuclease
- resrriction nuclease
Etymology of RESTRICTION NUCLEASE
The word "restriction" in "restriction nuclease" refers to the ability of the enzyme to restrict or limit the growth of certain bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) by cleaving their DNA. The term "nuclease" is derived from the word "nucleus" and the suffix "-ase", indicating an enzyme. Nucleases are enzymes that degrade or break down nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA. Therefore, a "restriction nuclease" is an enzyme that specifically recognizes and cleaves DNA at specific sequences, restricting the growth of bacteriophages by destroying their genetic material. This term was coined by scientists studying bacterial defense mechanisms against bacteriophage infections.
Similar spelling words for RESTRICTION NUCLEASE
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