Biotechnology Principles and Processes – Solutions

1. Make a chart (with diagrammatic representation) showing a restriction enzyme, the substrate DNA on which it acts, the site at which it cuts DNA and the product it produces.

Solution:

EcoRI is the restriction enzymes and is obtained from the bacteria Escherichia coli. It recognizes specific sequence of bases (sequence GAATTC). It cuts one strand of the DNA double helix at one point and the second strand at a different, complementary point (between the G and the A base).

The separated pieces have single stranded “sticky-ends” which allow the complementary pieces to combine. The newly joined pieces are stabilized by DNA ligase.

2. From what you have learnt, can you tell whether enzymes are bigger or DNA is bigger in molecular size? How did you know?

Solution: