A(n) enzyme is a type of protein that can cut double-stranded DNA at specific base sequences.
Question
A(n) enzyme is a type of protein that can cut double-stranded DNA at specific base sequences.
Solution
The enzyme you're referring to is known as a restriction enzyme or restriction endonuclease. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how it works:
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Recognition: The restriction enzyme recognizes a specific sequence of bases in the DNA. This sequence is usually 4-8 base pairs long and is often palindromic, meaning it reads the same forwards and backwards.
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Binding: Once the enzyme has identified its target sequence, it will bind to the DNA strand. This is facilitated by the shape of the enzyme, which allows it to fit perfectly with the target sequence.
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Cleavage: After binding to the DNA, the restriction enzyme will cut the DNA strand at the target sequence. It does this by breaking the phosphodiester bonds that hold the DNA together.
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Result: The result is a DNA molecule that has been cut at specific points. This can be useful in many areas of molecular biology, including DNA cloning, DNA mapping, and DNA fingerprinting.
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