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GCSE Biology · key term
An enzyme that cuts DNA at a particular base sequence.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.11 · Paper 1
Revise: Stages of Genetic EngineeringA restriction enzyme cuts DNA at particular base sequences and can be used to remove a fragment containing that gene. A bacterial plasmid—a small circle of DNA—is cut open with the same restriction enzyme.
Specification B6.2e · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
An enzyme that cuts DNA at particular base sequences.
Keep the roles distinct: restriction enzymes cut DNA; complementary sticky ends help the pieces line up; DNA ligase joins them permanently.
Keep the roles distinct: restriction enzymes cut DNA, matching sticky ends help the pieces pair, and DNA ligase joins them.
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A restriction enzyme cuts the DNA at particular base sequences to release the gene. The same restriction enzyme cuts open a plasmid. Its staggered cuts leave short stretches of unpaired bases called sticky ends.