Enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific sequence of nucleotides is called?

Enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific sequence of nucleotides is called?

• A. Restriction enzymes
• B. DNA polymerase
• C. Ligase
• D. Helicase

Answer: (A)

Enzymes that cut DNA at a specific sequence are called restriction enzymes, or restriction endonucleases. They recognize short, defined DNA motifs—often palindromic—and make a double-stranded cut at that site. This precise cleavage is what makes them invaluable in genetic engineering, allowing DNA to be cut into defined fragments for cloning and analysis. Some restriction enzymes leave blunt ends, others generate overhanging sticky ends that help fragments pair up for ligation. By contrast, DNA polymerase builds new DNA strands, ligase joins fragments by sealing nicks, and helicase unwinds the DNA double helix; none of these primarily cuts DNA at a defined sequence.

Enzymes that cut DNA at a specific sequence are called restriction enzymes, or restriction endonucleases. They recognize short, defined DNA motifs—often palindromic—and make a double-stranded cut at that site. This precise cleavage is what makes them invaluable in genetic engineering, allowing DNA to be cut into defined fragments for cloning and analysis. Some restriction enzymes leave blunt ends, others generate overhanging sticky ends that help fragments pair up for ligation. By contrast, DNA polymerase builds new DNA strands, ligase joins fragments by sealing nicks, and helicase unwinds the DNA double helix; none of these primarily cuts DNA at a defined sequence.