Restriction Endonuclease
- Pronunciation
- /rek-strik-shun en-do-NEW-kleese/
- Category
- Molecular Biology
- Singular
- Restriction endonuclease
- Plural
- Restriction endonucleases
Definition
An enzyme that cuts DNA only at a limited number of specific nucleotide sequences.
Etymology
From the Latin words 'restrict' meaning to limit, and 'endonuclease', meaning an enzyme that acts inside the nucleus.
Example
Restriction endonucleases are used in genetic engineering to cut DNA at specific sites.
Related Terms
- DNA
- Recombinant DNA
- Gene cloning