restriction enzyme

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of DNA molecules at specific sites: used for gene splicing in recombinant DNA technology and for chromosome mapping.

restriction enzyme

noun

1. any of several enzymes produced by bacteria as a defence against viral infection and commonly used to cut DNA for genetic manipulation or diagnosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of restriction enzyme¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The restriction enzyme, Wilson said in an interview, “would allow you to put DNA together at precise places. That was the beginning of cloning.”

From Washington Post

Each type of restriction enzyme recognizes a specific sequence of DNA and only cuts there, allowing researchers to cut DNA at a specific location.

From Salon

We then took the normalized fragment level interaction frequency tables and removed any fragments where a SNP either could create or disrupt a potential restriction enzyme site between the two alleles.

From Nature

The open-ended nature of the simulation encourages inquiry by enabling users to analyze any DNA sequence, including entire viral or bacterial genomes, with any probe, primer, or restriction enzyme.

From Science Magazine

HindII was the first restriction enzyme, an enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific sequence.

From Nature