Question

Identify the "molecular scissors" used to cut DNA at specific sequences.

• A. DNA Ligase
• B. DNA Polymerase
• C. Restriction Enzymes
• D. RNA Polymerase

Hint:

Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific recognition sequences, while DNA ligase joins DNA fragments together. Remember: Restriction enzyme = cut, Ligase = join.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question identifies the specific biological tools (enzymes) used in biotechnology to cleave DNA molecules at precise locations.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Restriction enzymes, also known as restriction endonucleases, are proteins that recognize specific nucleotide sequences (palindromes) in DNA.
They cut the phosphodiester backbone of the DNA at or near these recognition sites.
These enzymes are naturally found in bacteria as a defense mechanism against bacteriophages.
In genetic engineering, they are used to isolate specific genes or create DNA fragments for cloning.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Because of their ability to cut DNA with high precision, restriction enzymes are termed "molecular scissors".