Restriction enzymes are bacterial enzymes that cut both strands of DNA at specific nucleotide sequences. These enzymes digest DNA by cutting the sequence at specific locations called restriction sites. Some restriction enzymes cleave DNA strands in the center of the restriction site, while others cut the backbone in two places, so the pieces have single-stranded sticky ends of unpaired nucleotides. The two pieces of DNA that are cut with the same restriction enzyme can be “pasted” together …show more content…
Each restriction enzyme is named based on the bacterium in which it was first identified. EcoR1 was purified from Escherichia coli. Hind111 was the third enzyme that was isolated from Haemophilus influenza. These enzymes are used to manipulate and analyze DNA sequences. Each of the three restriction enzymes used has a particular restriction site.
Restriction mapping is the process of cutting DNA at specific sequences with restriction enzymes. This separates the fragments from each other using gel electrophoresis, and then estimating their fragment sizes. The size and number of fragments help to determine information about the structures of the original DNA pieces from which they were cut. To determine the size of an unknown DNA fragment that was inserted into a plasmid, gel electrophoresis is used. This technique is used in crime scene investigations.
Gel electrophoresis separate charged molecules, including nucleic and amino acids, by how fast they migrate through the gel under an electrical current. When an electrical current is passed through the gel, the fragments migrate from one pole to the other. Smaller DNA fragments travel faster through the gel. Gel electrophoresis separate DNA fragments from 200 base pairs to 50,000 base