Restriction Enzymes
Definition
Restriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences, acting like molecular scissors. They are used in genetic engineering to cut and paste DNA fragments.
Analogy
Think of restriction enzymes as a pair of precision scissors in a craft project. The paper is the DNA, and the scissors (restriction enzymes) can only cut along certain patterns or lines (specific sequences).
Related terms
Endonuclease: An enzyme that cuts DNA strands internally at specific sites, just like how restriction enzymes work.
Recognition Sequence: This is the specific sequence of nucleotides where a restriction enzyme will cut. It's like the dotted line on your craft paper telling you where to cut.
DNA Ligase: This is another type of enzyme that acts as glue, joining together two pieces of DNA after they've been cut by restriction enzymes.
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