Question

Do restriction enzymes exist in eukaryotes?

Answer 1

Restriction Enzymes:

1. An enzyme that cleaves DNA molecules at or close to a particular sequence of bases and is mostly produced by certain bacteria.
2. Similar to a pair of scissors, restriction enzymes can cut DNA at particular locations.
3. Prokaryotes, which are bacteria, contain these enzymes, while eukaryotic cells do not.
4. Thus, restriction endonucleases are absent from eukaryotic cells.
5. This is because an enzyme known as methylase heavily methylates the DNA of eukaryotes. DNA is shielded from restriction enzyme action by methylation.
6. Prokaryotes frequently have restriction enzymes as part of their built-in defense against invading DNA.