What is the purpose of using restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?
Practice Questions
1 question
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
Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing for the insertion of foreign DNA into vectors.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the purpose of using restriction enzymes in recombinant DNA technology?
Solution: Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing for the insertion of foreign DNA into vectors.
Steps: 7
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.
