EcoRI

Definition

EcoRI is a restriction enzyme derived from the bacterium Escherichia coli that cuts DNA at specific recognition sites, typically at the sequence 'GAATTC'. This enzyme plays a crucial role in molecular biology for DNA manipulation, particularly in cloning and recombinant DNA technology, by providing a way to cut DNA into manageable fragments for further study or modification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EcoRI recognizes and cuts the DNA sequence 'GAATTC', creating sticky ends that can easily anneal with complementary DNA fragments.
2. The use of EcoRI is fundamental in the process of cloning because it allows researchers to insert specific genes into plasmids.
3. EcoRI was first discovered in the 1970s and has since become one of the most widely used restriction enzymes in laboratories around the world.
4. The activity of EcoRI can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and ionic strength, which are important to consider during experiments.
5. EcoRI is often used in conjunction with DNA ligase to insert or remove fragments of DNA from plasmids or other vectors, enabling the creation of recombinant DNA.

Review Questions

• How does EcoRI contribute to the process of molecular cloning?
  • EcoRI contributes to molecular cloning by providing a precise method to cut DNA at specific sequences, creating sticky ends that facilitate the ligation of new genetic material into plasmids. This allows scientists to insert genes of interest into vectors that can be propagated in host organisms. The ability to generate consistent and compatible ends makes EcoRI an essential tool for cloning applications.
• Discuss the importance of recognition sites in relation to EcoRI and its function as a restriction enzyme.
  • Recognition sites are critical for the function of EcoRI because they determine where the enzyme will cut the DNA. EcoRI specifically recognizes the sequence 'GAATTC' and only acts on this sequence, making it a precise tool for manipulating genetic material. This specificity allows researchers to target particular areas of a genome for cutting, which is essential for creating recombinant DNA or for other molecular biology applications.
• Evaluate the broader implications of using EcoRI in genetic engineering and biotechnology.
  • Using EcoRI in genetic engineering and biotechnology has significant implications for various fields including medicine, agriculture, and research. By enabling precise cuts in DNA, EcoRI allows for the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that can exhibit desired traits, such as disease resistance or increased yield. Moreover, this technology has opened doors for advancements in gene therapy and synthetic biology, where modified organisms can be engineered to produce pharmaceuticals or biofuels, highlighting its transformative impact on modern science and technology.

Related terms

Restriction Enzyme: Proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing scientists to manipulate genetic material for various applications in biotechnology.

Recombinant DNA: DNA molecules formed by combining genetic material from different sources, often created using restriction enzymes and ligases.

Ligase: An enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands together by forming phosphodiester bonds, often used after cutting DNA with restriction enzymes.