BamHI

Definition

BamHI is a type II restriction endonuclease enzyme that recognizes and cleaves a specific DNA sequence, $\text{5'-GGATCC-3'}$, leaving behind 'sticky ends' that can be used in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. BamHI was originally isolated from the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
2. BamHI recognizes and cleaves the palindromic DNA sequence $\text{5'-GGATCC-3'}$, leaving behind 4-nucleotide 'sticky ends'.
3. The sticky ends created by BamHI can be used to ligate DNA fragments, allowing the insertion of foreign genes into plasmids or other vectors.
4. BamHI is commonly used in genetic engineering and molecular cloning techniques to create recombinant DNA molecules.
5. BamHI is a type II restriction enzyme, meaning it cleaves DNA at a specific recognition sequence, unlike type I and type III restriction enzymes.

Review Questions

• Describe the role of BamHI in the context of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology.
  • BamHI is a crucial tool in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology. As a type II restriction enzyme, it recognizes and cleaves the specific DNA sequence 5'-GGATCC-3', leaving behind 4-nucleotide 'sticky ends'. These sticky ends can be used to ligate DNA fragments from different sources, allowing the insertion of foreign genes into plasmids or other vectors. This process of creating recombinant DNA molecules is fundamental to many genetic engineering applications, such as the production of genetically modified organisms and the development of new biotechnological products.
• Explain how the recognition sequence and cleavage pattern of BamHI contribute to its utility in genetic engineering.
  • The recognition sequence and cleavage pattern of BamHI make it particularly useful in genetic engineering. BamHI recognizes the palindromic DNA sequence 5'-GGATCC-3', which is relatively short and, therefore, occurs frequently in the genome. When BamHI cleaves this sequence, it leaves behind 4-nucleotide 'sticky ends' that can base pair with complementary sticky ends created by the same enzyme. This allows for the efficient ligation of DNA fragments, facilitating the construction of recombinant DNA molecules. The predictable and consistent cleavage pattern of BamHI enables researchers to precisely manipulate and assemble DNA sequences, which is crucial for a wide range of genetic engineering applications.
• Evaluate the significance of BamHI in the development of recombinant DNA technology and its impact on the field of biotechnology.
  • BamHI has played a pivotal role in the development of recombinant DNA technology, which has revolutionized the field of biotechnology. As a reliable and well-characterized type II restriction enzyme, BamHI has become a fundamental tool for genetic engineering. Its ability to recognize and cleave a specific DNA sequence, leaving behind 'sticky ends' that can be used to ligate DNA fragments, has enabled researchers to create recombinant DNA molecules with unprecedented precision. This has facilitated the insertion of foreign genes into host organisms, the production of genetically modified organisms, and the development of a wide range of biotechnological applications, including the manufacture of therapeutic proteins, the creation of biofuels, and the advancement of gene therapy. The widespread use of BamHI and other restriction enzymes has been instrumental in driving the rapid progress and innovation in the field of biotechnology, with far-reaching implications for medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

Related terms

Restriction Enzyme: Enzymes that recognize and cut DNA at specific nucleotide sequences, creating fragments with defined ends.

Recombinant DNA:

DNA molecules formed by joining DNA segments from different sources, often used to introduce foreign genes into host organisms.

Sticky Ends: Single-stranded DNA overhangs created by restriction enzymes that can base pair with complementary sticky ends, facilitating DNA ligation.