Restriction endonucleases

Definition

Restriction endonucleases are enzymes that recognize specific sequences of DNA and cut the DNA at or near these sites. They are essential tools in molecular biology for DNA manipulation, including cloning and DNA sequencing.

Related terms

Palindromic Sequence: A sequence of DNA bases that reads the same backward as forward, which are often recognition sites for restriction endonucleases.

Gel Electrophoresis:

A laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to molecular size after they have been cut by restriction endonucleases.

Recombinant DNA: DNA molecules formed by laboratory methods of genetic recombination (such as molecular cloning) to bring together genetic material from multiple sources, creating sequences that would not otherwise be found in biological organisms