Question

Following statements describe the characteristics of the enzyme restriction endonuclease. Identify the incorrect statement.

• A. The enzyme recognizes a specific palindromic nucleotide sequence in the DNA
• B. The enzyme cuts DNA molecule at identical position within the DNA.
• C. The enzyme binds DNA at specific sites and cuts only one of the two strands.
• D. The enzyme cuts the sugar-phosphate backbone at specific sites on each strand

Answer 1

The correct option is C The enzyme binds DNA at specific sites and cuts only one of the two strands.

Restriction endonucleases find their specific recognition sequence (specific palindromic nucleotide sequence) on DNA. It then binds to the DNA and cuts each of the two strands of the double helix at specific points in their sugar-phosphate backbones.