Question

Specific enzymes used for cutting DNA into fragments are called

• A. Ligases
• B. Lyases
• C. Restriction endonucleases
• D. Polymerases

Hint:

Molecular Biology Tools:
Cutting DNA = Restriction Endonucleases ('Molecular Scissors').
Joining DNA = DNA Ligase ('Molecular Glue').

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Recombinant DNA technology employs molecular tools (enzymes) to cleave, synthesize, and join nucleic acid molecules.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Restriction Endonucleases (Molecular Scissors): Bacterial enzymes that recognize specific 4-to-8 base pair palindromic sequences in double-stranded DNA and cleave the phosphodiester backbone at defined sites to generate sticky or blunt ends.
2. DNA Ligases (Molecular Glue): Join DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds.
3. DNA Polymerases: Synthesize complementary DNA strands.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, specific enzymes for cutting DNA are Restriction endonucleases, matching option (C).