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Difficulty: EasyBiotechnology and Nanotechnology

In recombinant DNA technology, specific enzymes are utilized to precisely cut DNA strands at designated nucleotide recognition sites. Which of the following enzymes acts as 'molecular scissors' in genetic engineering?

  1. Restriction enzymesAnswer
  2. B
    DNA ligase
  3. C
    DNA polymerase
  4. D
    Reverse transcriptase

Answer

Restriction enzymes act as the 'molecular scissors' in recombinant DNA technology by cleaving DNA molecules at specific recognition sequences.
Restriction enzymes, also known as restriction endonucleases, cut double-stranded DNA molecules at specific palindromic recognition sites. Because of this precise cutting action, they are universally termed 'molecular scissors' in biotechnology and genetic engineering.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary function of each enzyme listed in genetic engineering.
Restriction enzymes cut DNA, DNA ligase joins DNA, DNA polymerase synthesizes DNA strands, and reverse transcriptase synthesizes cDNA from RNA.
Matching each biological enzyme to its catalytic role clarifies which enzyme performs sequence-specific cleavage.
2
Select the enzyme corresponding to the 'molecular scissors' terminology.
Restriction endonucleases (restriction enzymes) fit this definition precisely.
The term 'molecular scissors' refers to enzymes that break phosphodiester bonds at specific target sequences within DNA.

Key Concept

Restriction Endonucleases in Biotechnology
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Topics

Biotechnology and Nanotechnology

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