What is the purpose of using restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the purpose of using restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?
To amplify DNA
To cut DNA at specific sequences
To synthesize RNA
To clone entire genomes
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the purpose of using restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?
Step 1: Understand that DNA is made up of sequences of nucleotides.
Step 2: Learn that restriction enzymes are special proteins that can cut DNA at specific locations.
Step 3: Know that these specific locations are called 'restriction sites'.
Step 4: Realize that when the restriction enzyme cuts the DNA, it creates 'sticky ends' or 'blunt ends'.
Step 5: Understand that these ends can be used to attach new pieces of DNA, which is called 'foreign DNA'.
Step 6: Learn that the new DNA is often inserted into a vector, which is a carrier that helps to transfer the DNA into a host cell.
Step 7: Conclude that the purpose of using restriction enzymes is to enable the insertion of foreign DNA into vectors, allowing scientists to create recombinant DNA.
