Topic 2:6a & 6b - enzymes, probes, and transferring genes

Question 1

What are restriction enzymes?

Answer 1

Restriction enzymes are bacterial enzymes that cut through the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone at specific nucleotide base sequences called restriction sites (~4-8 bases long).

Question 2

What do the actions of restriction enzymes result in? (think direct influence of what restriction enzymes do).

Answer 2

Restriction enzymes can cut straight across the DNA create blunt ends with no exposed bases.

Restriction enzymes can cut in a staggered fashion at the restriction sites the cut produces sticky ends that contain unpaired bases.

Question 3

How is a target gene removed from a sample of DNA?

Answer 3

A target gene can be removed from DNA with the use of restriction enzymes. 2 cuts are made, to isolate the gene.

Question 4

How is a target gene, or target strand of DNA inserted into an existing DNA molecule?

Answer 4

One cut is made in the DNA molecule, with the same restriction enzyme that isolated the target gene. This will cause an opening for the target gene to bond with the DNA molecule through complementary base pairing and DNA ligase.