Question

Explain the role of restriction endonucleases in recombinant DNA technology. Name the endonuclease that was first discovered.

Answer 1

Restriction endonucleases are enzymes that cut double-stranded DNA at very specific recognition sites. They were originally discovered in bacteria that use them to restrict the growth of viruses but are now among the workhorse enzymes of biotechnology and recombinant DNA research. The endonuclease that was first discovered was Hind II.