Question:

Which enzyme is used to join the ends of two strands of DNA?

Show Hint

Remember: Restriction endonucleases are molecular scissors (they cut DNA), whereas DNA ligases are molecular glue (they join DNA).
  • Ligase
  • Synthetase
  • Polymerase
  • Restriction endonuclease
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In molecular biology and biotechnology, specific enzymes are used to manipulate DNA strands by cutting, synthesizing, or joining them.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

- DNA Ligase: This is the molecular "glue" of the cell. It catalyzes the formation of a covalent phosphodiester bond between the 3'-hydroxyl group of one DNA strand and the 5'-phosphate group of another. It is used to join Okazaki fragments during DNA replication and to ligate gene inserts into vectors during recombinant DNA procedures.
- Synthetase: General class of enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of molecules, often using energy from ATP.
- DNA Polymerase: Synthesizes new DNA strands by adding free nucleotides complementary to a template strand.
- Restriction Endonuclease: Functions as molecular "scissors" that cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences.

Step 3: Final Answer

DNA ligase is the enzyme used to join the ends of two DNA strands.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top ICAR AIEEA Microbes in human welfare Questions