Question
How does a restriction nuclease function? Explain.
Solution
Each restriction endonuclease functions by ‘inspecting’ the length of a DNA sequence. Once it finds its specific recognition sequence, it binds to the DNA and cuts each of the two strands of the double helix at specific points in their sugar -phosphate backbones. Each restriction endonuclease recognizes a specific palindromic nucleotide sequences in the DNA.
