Recognition site

Definition

A recognition site is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is identified and cut by restriction enzymes. These sites are crucial for genetic engineering and molecular cloning techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Recognition sites are typically palindromic sequences, meaning they read the same forwards and backwards on complementary strands.
2. The length of recognition sites can vary but is often 4 to 8 base pairs long.
3. Restriction enzymes recognize these sites and make cuts at or near these specific sequences.
4. Alterations or mutations in recognition sites can prevent restriction enzymes from cutting the DNA, impacting cloning experiments.
5. Different restriction enzymes recognize different recognition sites, allowing for precise manipulation of DNA.

Review Questions

• What characteristic makes recognition sites typically palindromic?
• Why are recognition sites critical for molecular cloning techniques?
• How does a mutation in a recognition site affect the activity of a restriction enzyme?

Related terms

Restriction Enzyme: Proteins that cut DNA at specific recognition sites.

Palindromic Sequence: A sequence of DNA bases that reads the same forwards and backwards on complementary strands.

Molecular Cloning: A method used to create copies of DNA fragments using various biological tools, including restriction enzymes.